SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SHB 1532

     AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES,

                         MARCH 23, 1993

Brief Description:  Creating an interim permit for physical therapist licensure candidates.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Veloria, Lisk, R. Johnson, Jacobsen, King, Pruitt, Karahalios, Quall, Van Luven, Long, Eide and Anderson)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Wojahn, Vice Chairman; Deccio, Franklin, Fraser, McAuliffe, McDonald, Moyer, Niemi, Prentice, Quigley, and Winsley.

Staff:  Scott Plack (786‑7409)

Hearing Dates: March 23, 1993

BACKGROUND:

State law allows applicants for licensure as registered nurses or licensed practical nurses who meet all the requirements for licensure, and have taken the licensure examination, to practice with an interim practice permit pending the results of the competency examination.  The normal process of grading competency examinations and taking final action on licensure applications can take up to six months.  The permits are issued to increase the supply of these health professionals and to address shortages in the state.  Current state law does not authorize the issuance of interim practice permits for applicants for licensure as physical therapists.  There are currently shortages of physical therapists in many parts of the state.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Health, with the approval of the Physical Therapy Board, may issue interim practice permits.  Candidates for licensure as physical therapists, who have taken the licensure examination, may practice under graduate supervision pending notification of the results of the first licensure examination.  The interim permit is limited to a six-month duration.  Graduate supervision includes an on-the-premises presence of a physical therapist who consults regarding evaluation, a treatment plan and program, and the progress of each assigned patient.

The procedures of the Uniform Disciplinary Act are extended to holders of the interim permit.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill will help alleviate the shortage of physical therapists in the state by allowing qualified applicants to practice while awaiting the results of their licensing examination.  The supervisory requirements in the bill are similar to those required in physical therapy training programs and have worked safely.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Representative Veloria, prime sponsor; Becky Bogard, WSPTA (pro); John DePalma, WSPTA (pro)