SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2445

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.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Health & Long Term Care, February 22, 2018

Title: An act relating to online access to health care resources via HEALWA.

Brief Description: Concerning online access to health care resources via HEALWA.

Sponsors: Representatives Macri, Graves, Robinson and Riccelli.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/18, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/22/18, 2/22/18 [DP, w/oRec].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires veterinarians and veterinarian technicians to pay an additional licensing fee to access the Health Evidence Resource for Washington (HEAL-WA).

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Cleveland, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Rivers, Ranking Member; Bailey, Conway, Fain, Keiser, Mullet and Van De Wege.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senator Becker.

Staff: Greg Attanasio (786-7410)

Background: In 2007, the University of Washington Health Sciences Library created HEAL-WA in response to a legislative mandate. HEAL-WA is an online health information database that contains evidence based information providing health care professionals with resources and support when making patient care decisions. HEAL-WA contains clinical resources, full-text medical journals, decision support tools, and evidence based reviews of procedures, drugs, and devices. Physicians, nurses, social workers, midwives, and other licensed health care professionals have access to HEAL-WA. The professionals who have access to HEAL-WA are charged an additional licensing fee of up to $25, which is transferred to the University of Washington to fund the database.

Summary of Bill: Veterinarians and veterinarian technicians may access HEAL-WA. Veterinarians and veterinarian technicians must be charged up to an additional $25 in professional licensing fees by the Department of Health for access.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill will allow veterinarians and veterinary technicians access to the latest information they need for their practice. Veterinary health professionals overwhelmingly support gaining access to the HEAL-WA.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Nicole Macri, Prime Sponsor; Greg Hanon, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.