HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1548
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 House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to changing the name of the medical quality assurance commission to the Washington medical commission.
Brief Description: Changing the name of the medical quality assurance commission to the Washington medical commission.
Sponsors: Representatives Davis, Cody, Harris, Caldier and Appleton; by request of Washington State Medical Commission.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/20/19, 2/22/19 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 15 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chambers, Davis, DeBolt, Harris, Jinkins, Maycumber, Riccelli, Robinson, Stonier, Thai and Tharinger.
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
The Medical Quality Assurance Commission (MQAC) licenses and regulates physicians and physician assistants. The MQAC consists of 21 members appointed by the Governor. Thirteen members of the MQAC must be licensed physicians, two members must be licensed physician assistants, and six members must be members of the public. All members must be United States citizens and residents of Washington. Physician members must have been licensed in Washington for at least five years.
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Summary of Bill:
The name of the Medical Quality Assurance Commission is changed to the Washington Medical Commission.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The Medical Quality Assurance Commission (MQAC) is a trustworthy body that grants licenses to physicians and physician assistants and ensures licensees practice with skill and safety. The MQAC protects public safety and resolves disciplinary complaints justly and accurately. In response to feedback, the MQAC has redesigned its website, logo, and mission statement. There has not been one quack of dissent regarding these changes. The name of the MQAC is confusing, misleading, and not descriptive of its mission. A name drives perception and the current name has been used in jest and pejoratively, which is the opposite message of what the MQAC is trying to convey. This bill changes the name of the MQAC to the Washington Medical Commission, nothing more. The new name projects dignity and excellence and does not have the same pronunciation problems. Un-quack the MQAC and create the Washington Medical Commission.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Stephanie McManus, Warren Howe, and Micah Mathews, Washington Medical Quality Assurance Commission.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.