HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1360

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                         Health Care

Title:  An act relating to discriminatory practices against doctors of osteopathic medicine and surgery licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW.

Brief Description:  Addressing discriminatory practices against osteopathic physicians and surgeons.

Sponsors:  Representatives Dyer, Dellwo, Backlund and Cody.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Health Care:  2/14/95 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Dyer, Chairman; Backlund, Vice Chairman; Hymes, Vice Chairman; Dellwo, Ranking Minority Member; Cody, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Campbell; Casada; Crouse; Morris; Sherstad and Skinner.

Staff:  John Welsh (786-7133).

Background:  Osteopathic doctors are licensed to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery in this state. The tenets of osteopathy suppose an emphasis on the musculo-skeletal structure of the body, and include medical treatment as well as osteopathic manipulative therapy.

There have been cases of discrimination against osteopathic doctors in this state with regard to practice and training privileges.

Summary of Bill:  Health maintenance organizations, professional service corporations, and hospitals are prohibited from discriminating against doctors of osteopathic medicine who have been board certified or eligible under an approved osteopathic certifying board.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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

Testimony For:  Health facilities should no longer discriminate against osteopathic physicians.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Dr. Stan Flemming, Washington State Medical Association & Washington Osteopathic Medical Association (pro).