FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5365

                          C 336 L 95

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Revising the uniform disciplinary act.

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

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

House Committee on Health Care

Background:  The state's Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA) of 1984 requires that the state standardize disciplinary procedures for all 47 credentialed health professions.  Authority to do this rests with Secretary of Health for 16 professions, and with 21 independent health care boards and commissions.  The UDA has been changed over the years to improve consistency and uniformity among the professions in carrying out discipline activities.

Summary:  Health care boards and commissions are required to adopt consistent procedures for all disciplinary procedures under the UDA.  The secretary must establish time periods for each step in the discipline process including investigations, charges, settlements and adjudications.  The role of presiding judges is expanded, allowing them to render final decisions in disciplinary hearings.  Alternative forums for dispute resolution are authorized including mediation, arbitration, or prehearing conferences.

Following a complaint investigation, specific procedures must be followed before a physical or mental examination of a professional may be ordered.

The secretary is required to establish a system for recruiting, appointing, and orienting public members to the regulatory boards.

The secretary is also required to assist in coordinating the development of uniform guidelines to be adopted by the health boards and commissions for treating patients in chronic pain.

The Secretary of Health is established as the disciplining authority for the denturist licensure act.  This section takes effect immediately.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    47 0

House     95 0 (House amended)

Senate        (Senate refused to concur)

House         (House refused to recede)

Conference Committee

House     91 0

Senate    44 0

Effective:  May 11, 1995 (Sections 2 and 3)

          July 23, 1995