SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 1527

             AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE,

                                 APRIL 1, 1991

Brief Description:  Allowing mandatory continuing medical education credit in the area of professional liability risk management.

SPONSORS:Representatives Braddock, Moyer, Sprenkle, Edmondson, R. Meyers, Franklin and Zellinsky.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; L. Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, L. Kreidler, Niemi, and Wojahn.

Staff:  Scott Plack (786-7409)

Hearing Dates:March 28, 1991; April 1, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The state Board of Medical Examiners currently may establish continuing education requirements for physicians as a condition for licensure renewal.  Specific educational requirements are established in rule by the board.

Medical malpractice liability is an issue affecting the cost, quality and availability of health care.  One strategy for reducing physician exposure to medical liability and malpractice is to implement risk management activities.  Currently, there are no board requirements to allow physicians to use continuing education as an opportunity to attend workshops, conferences or engage in other activities that provide information on risk management.

SUMMARY:

The Board of Medical Examiners is directed to draft rules allowing board approved activities relating to professional liability risk management which satisfy mandatory continuing education requirements.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill will encourage physicians to take continuing education on liability risk management and may help physicians reduce liability related risks associated with their practice.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Mel Sorensen, The Doctors' Company (pro); Phil Dyer, The Doctors' Company (pro)