SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 2953

                    As of February 24, 1998

Title:  An act relating to registration of Oregon physicians for practice in nonprofit health clinics.

Brief Description:  Allowing a physician or osteopathic physician licensed in Oregon to register with the medical quality assurance commission to work at nonprofit health clinics in this state.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Sherstad, Sterk, Koster, Carrell, McDonald and Carlson).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/27/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff:  Joan K. Mell (786-7447)

Background:  Oregon physicians wishing to serve Washington residents must technically be licensed by the state Department of Health (DOH) and regulated by the state Medical Quality Assurance Commission in order to be legally authorized to practice in this state.  There are a number of Oregon physicians willing to donate their time to serve economically disadvantaged patients in nonprofit health clinics located in Washington, but state licensing requirements currently prohibit this.

Summary of Bill:  A physician licensed by the state of Oregon to practice medicine or osteopathic medicine may register with the state Medical Quality Assurance Commission or Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery respectively to render health care services without remuneration to economically disadvantaged patients through nonprofit health care clinics incorporated under the laws of the state of Washington.  Registration is deemed a waiver from state requirements for licensing, but registered physicians are otherwise subject to the state Uniform Disciplinary Act.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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