FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 1184
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 77 L 15
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Increasing the health professions participating in online access to the University of Washington health sciences library.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody and Harris).
House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
Senate Committee on Health Care
Background:
Marriage and Family Therapist Associates.
A marriage and family therapist provides services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating mental and emotional disorders. A licensed associate must have a graduate degree in a mental health field, work under the supervision of an approved supervisor, and declare he or she is working toward full licensure as a marriage and family therapist.
Independent Clinical Social Worker Associates.
An independent clinical social worker diagnoses and treats emotional and mental disorders based on knowledge of human development, the causation and treatment of psychopathology, psychotherapeutic treatment practices, and social work practices. A licensed associate must have a graduate degree in a mental health field, work under the supervision of an approved supervisor, and declare he or she is working toward full licensure.
Health Evidence Resource of Washington State.
The Health Evidence Resource of Washington State (HEAL-WA) is an online health information portal that contains evidence-based information to support patient care decisions. Clinical resources include full-text journals, electronic textbooks, medical databases, practice guides, and diagnostic tools.
In 2007 the University of Washington Health Sciences Library created the HEAL-WA in response to legislative mandate. It was originally available to 14 health professions, and presently 22 health professions have access. Health professions that currently have access to the HEAL-WA are: physicians, physician assistants, osteopathic physicians, osteopathic physicians' assistants, naturopaths, podiatrists, chiropractors, psychologists, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, optometrists, mental health counselors, massage therapists, clinical social workers, midwives, licensed marriage and family therapists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, dietitians, nutritionists, speech-language pathologists, and East Asian medicine practitioners. Individuals who are not members of one of these professions do not have access to the HEAL-WA. As of November 2013, 151,140 licensed healthcare providers were eligible for the HEAL-WA and 20,632 licensed healthcare providers were registered with the HEAL-WA.
The Department of Health (DOH) must charge fees to professionals licensed by the DOH. These fees are based on the cost to the DOH for regulatory activities related to the profession. License fees may include up to an additional $25 for professions with access to the HEAL-WA.
Summary:
Marriage and family therapist associates and independent clinical social worker associates are added to the list of health care professionals who can have online access to selected clinical resources at the University of Washington Health Sciences Library. The licensing fees for all marriage and family therapy associates and independent clinical social worker associates must include an additional amount up to $25 per year.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 96 | 0 | |
Senate | 45 | 2 |
Effective: | August 1, 2015 |