SENATE BILL REPORT

                  EHB 2465

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

               Law & Justice, February 25, 1998

Title:  An act relating to health care providers' communication with patients.

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.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  2/23/98, 2/25/98 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Johnson, Vice Chair; Fairley, Hargrove, Kline, Long, Stevens, Thibaudeau and Zarelli.

Staff:  Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background:  Currently, a physician or osteopathic physician generally 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 which was necessary in treating the patient.  This right of privileged or confidential communication, however, does not extend to other health providers.

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

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Podiatrists were included in the privilege until osteopaths were specifically included.  Exclusion of podiatrists was an unforseen result.  The bill fulfills patient expectations and facilitates patient cooperation.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Frank Morrison, WA State Podiatrist Association (pro).