SENATE BILL REPORT

                  ESHB 1389

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Health & Long-Term Care, March 31, 1995

Title:  An act relating to apprenticeship supervision by a physician, registered optometrist, or dispensing optician.

Brief Description:  Concerning the supervision of apprentice opticians.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Dyer and Morris).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  3/30/95, 3/31/95 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Quigley, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Deccio, Fairley, Franklin, Winsley and Wood.

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  Optician apprentices receive training and direct supervision in an optician's practice and may be supervised by either a physician ophthalmologist, optometrist or dispensing optician.

Currently, the apprentice may have only one designated supervisor, and in the absence of that supervisor cannot continue training.

Summary of Bill:  An apprentice is required to have a primary supervisor who is responsible for the work and direct supervision of the apprentice in the apprenticeship program.  In the absence of the primary supervisor, the apprentice may be supervised by another qualified supervisor without any interruption in the apprenticeship program.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This updates the apprentice optician statute to allow more flexibility in the program.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Randy Ray, Lenscrafters (pro).