FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 2188

                         C 195 L 96

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Requiring a majority vote of the medical quality assurance commission to revoke a physician's license.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Backlund, Hymes, Dyer, Sherstad and Horn).

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:   The Medical Quality Assurance Commission is the disciplinary authority for physicians charged with unprofessional conduct under the Uniform Disciplinary Act.  The commission is composed of 19 members, including 13 physicians, two physician assistants, and four public members.  The commission is authorized to revoke licenses upon a finding of unprofessional conduct.

Because of the number of disciplinary actions, the commission routinely divides into two panels, the first panel to investigate the complaint and the second panel to make a final determination.  The quorum for each panel is three members.  When the investigatory panel finds that there is sufficient evidence to warrant legal action, the other panel hears the case and issues a final order including sanctions, if appropriate.  Panel decisions are taken by majority vote.

Under current procedures, a decision to revoke a physician's license can be made by a panel of less than a majority of the commission.

Summary:  On a request of a respondent made within 20 days of the effective date of an order issued by a Medical Quality Assurance Commission panel that revokes the respondent's license to practice medicine, the commission must schedule a review hearing.  The commission must conduct the hearing of the request within 60 days.  The commission's review of a license revocation order is to be conducted by only those members of the commission not involved in the initial investigation of the complaint.  The commission must establish by rule procedures for review of revocation orders.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     96 0

Senate    43 0 (Senate amended)

House     94 0 (House concurred)

Effective:  June 6, 1996