HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2527

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                         Health Care

Title:  An act relating to chiropractic peer review.

Brief Description:  Repealing provisions relating to the chiropractic review board.

Sponsors:  Representatives Appelwick, Campbell, Dyer, Morris, Casada, Wineberry, Dorn, Ballasiotes, Chappell, Kessler, Anderson, Carlson, Conway, Johanson, Pruitt, Jones, Moak, Roland, Schoesler and Springer.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Health Care, February 4, 1994, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 16 members:  Representatives Dellwo, Chair; L. Johnson, Vice Chair; Dyer, Ranking Minority Member; Ballasiotes, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appelwick; Backlund; Conway; Cooke; Flemming; R. Johnson; Lemmon; Lisk; Mastin; Morris; Thibaudeau and Veloria.

Staff:  John Welsh (786-7133).

Background:  In 1992, the Legislature enacted a chiropractic peer review process for the review of the appropriateness, quality, utilization, and cost of chiropractic services to patients.  The Chiropractic Peer Review Committee conducts the review at the request of a patient, insurer or state agency.  The findings are reported to the Chiropractic Disciplinary Board for disposition, including possible disciplinary action.

Summary of Bill:  The chiropractic peer review process is repealed.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The chiropractic peer review process has not been utilized for complaints or dispute resolution.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Steve Wehrly and Dr. Joe Howells, Washington State Association of Chiropractors (pro).