Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
SB 5000
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning online access to health care resources for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Sponsors: Senators Palumbo, Rivers, Cleveland, Conway, Saldaña and Kuderer.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/7/19
Staff: Alyssa Patrick (786-7296).
Background:
Health Care Licensing Fees.
Washington state 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.
Summary of Bill:
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians have online access to the University of Washington's health sciences library. An additional fee of up to $25 must be added to the annual licensing fees of these professionals to pay for this access.
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.