SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2704

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

          Health & Long-Term Care, February 19, 1998

Title:  An act relating to inactive status for physical therapists.

Brief Description:  Creating inactive license status for physical therapists.

Sponsors:  Representatives Skinner, Cody and Anderson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/19/98 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Deccio, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Fairley, Franklin and Wojahn.

Staff:  Joan K. Mell (786-7447)

Background:  Physical therapists are licensed by the Department of Health for practice and regulated by the Board of Physical Therapy.  Physical therapy, as defined by law, includes treatment of any bodily or mental condition by the use of the physical, chemical, and other properties of heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, and therapeutic exercise.

Currently, there is no authority for the department to place a license in an inactive status for physical therapists no longer practicing.

Summary of Amended Bill:  A licensed physical therapist may place the license in inactive status in accordance with requirements prescribed by rule of the Board of Physical Therapy.  The secretary may establish fees for inactive licenses.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:  The secretary rather than the board may establish fees.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Physical therapists who want to take a leave from active practice benefit by being able to maintain their license.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Melissa Johnson, WA State Physical Therapy Association (pro).