FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5308

                          C 198 L 95

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Changing certain health professional examination procedures.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Fairley, Moyer, Franklin and Deccio; by request of Department of Health).

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

House Committee on Health Care

Background:  Most of the health care professions currently regulated by the state have the option of using regional or national examinations to establish qualifications for licensure. However, some professions are required by statute to individually prepare separate state exams.

The statutes also contain overly prescriptive language regarding how exams must be conducted and the subjects to be included.

Summary:  Boards and/or examining committees for the following professions are able to use national or regional exams: chiropractic, dispensing optician, optometry, dental hygiene, Board of Pharmacy (pharmacy assistants), physical therapy, psychology, veterinary medicine.

In addition, exam procedures and requirements are streamlined, and other technical changes in language are made for the following professions:  chiropractic, dental, dental hygiene, optometry, veterinary medicine, massage therapy.

The Secretary of Health is established as the licensing authority under the Denturist Licensure Act, and the Board of Denture Technology is to advise the secretary on these responsibilities.  Language permitting automatic licensure for denturists through federal enclaves is deleted.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    46 0

House     95 0 (House amended)

Senate    46 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  May 1, 1995 (Sections 18-25)

          July 23, 1995