SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5308

                As Passed Senate, March 7, 1995

Title:  An act relating to the use of examinations in the credentialing of health professionals.

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).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  2/2/95, 2/7/95 [DPS].

Passed Senate, 3/7/95, 46‑0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5308 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

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 of Bill:  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.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  These provisions allow professions to use quality national exams.  The language allows flexibility in exam process.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Ron Weaver, DOH; Jeff Forrey, Optometry Board; Rick Jensen, WA Academy of Physicians and Surgeons.

House Amendment(s):  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.  Automatic licensure through federal enclaves is deleted.