SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5764

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 19, 2019

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: Senators Randall, Cleveland, Becker, Keiser and Wilson, C.; by request of Washington State Medical Commission.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/15/19, 2/19/19 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Amends statutes to change the name of the Medical Quality Assurance Commission to the Washington Medical Commission.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Cleveland, Chair; Randall, Vice Chair; O'Ban, Ranking Member; Bailey, Becker, Conway, Dhingra, Frockt, Keiser, Rivers and Van De Wege.

Staff: Greg Attanasio (786-7410)

Background: The Medical Quality Assurance Commission regulates the competency and quality of allopathic physicians and physician assistants under its jurisdiction by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing qualifications for licensing, consistent standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms, and discipline.

Summary of Bill: All statutory references to the Medical Quality Assurance Commission are amended to change the Commission's name to the Washington Medical Commission.

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 name of the Commission is confusing and not descriptive of what it does. The name should reflect the Commission's responsibility and convey respect.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Emily Randall, Prime Sponsor; Micah Matthews, Washington Medical Commission; Alden Roberts, Chair, Washington Medical Commission.

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