HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1555
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 online access to health care resources for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Brief Description: Concerning online access to health care resources for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Sponsors: Representatives Macri, Chambers, Cody and Appleton.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/8/19, 2/13/19 [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: Alyssa Patrick (786-7296) and Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
Health Care Licensing Fees.
Washington health practitioners are subject to licensing fees charged by the Secretary of Health (Secretary). In most cases, these fees are based on the cost to the Department of Health (Department) for activities related to licensure. Licensure of some health professions includes additional fees related to shared resources and regulatory activities. The Department's advisory committees, boards, and commissions may review fees established by the Secretary and comment upon their appropriateness for the profession.
Online Access to Health Care Resources.
The University of Washington (UW) provides specified health professions with online access to the health sciences library for selected clinical resources, medical journals, decision support tools, and evidence-based reviews of procedures, drugs, and devices. The online resource is called HEALWA, and currently serves more than 20 health professions. Practitioners within those professions must pay an additional annual licensing fee of up to $25 to the Department, which is transferred to the UW.
Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians.
Veterinarians practice medicine, surgery, or dentistry on animals, which includes diagnosing diseases and ailments, performing treatments, and prescribing drugs and treatment. Veterinary technicians assist with veterinary practice. Both veterinarians and veterinary technicians must be licensed by the Department.
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Summary of Bill:
This bill grants veterinarians and veterinary technicians online access to the University of Washington's health sciences library. The bill also requires an additional fee of up to $25 be added to the annual licensing fees of these professionals to pay for this access.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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 Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) has been in contact with HEALWA about adding publications that are of value to veterinary professionals. Veterinary professionals who are members of the WSVMA support the use of this resource including the licensing fee surcharge.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Greg Hanon, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.