FINAL BILL REPORT

                 EHB 2465

                          C 72 L 98

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Expanding the privileged communication from physician‑patient to the health care provider and patient privilege.

Sponsors:  Representatives Dyer, Cody, Backlund, L. Thomas and Cooke.

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Background:  A physician or osteopathic physician enjoys the physician-patient privilege, whereby the physician may not be compelled in a civil action before a court of law to disclose information acquired from a patient that was necessary in treating the patient.

This right of privileged or confidential communication does not extend, however, to other health providers under state law.

Summary:  The right of  privileged or confidential communication is extended to podiatric physicians, who may not be compelled to disclose in a civil action information acquired from a patient that was necessary to treat a patient.

Votes on Final Passage:

House950

Senate440

Effective:June 11, 1998