FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5702

                          C 127 L 99

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Changing physician assistant licensing and practice requirements.

Sponsors:  Senators Thibaudeau and Deccio.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

House Committee on Health Care

Background:  Current law requires the Medical Quality Assurance Commission to adopt rules establishing the qualifications for the licensure of physician assistants.  Qualifications for osteopathic physicians= assistants are set by rule by the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery.  Among the requirements for both of these professions is that of eligibility to take an approved examination; however, nothing states that the examination must actually be taken or passed.  Some feel that further clarification is needed to assure that all applicants take and pass the examination.

Summary:  Rules governing physician assistants and osteopathic physicians= assistants must require an applicant for licensure to successfully take and pass an examination within one year of completing their respective training programs.  A one-year interim permit may be granted for those who meet all other licensing requirements.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 48 0

House     95 0

Effective:  July 25, 1999