SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5702

                As Passed Senate, March 9, 1999

Title:  An act relating to physician assistant licensing and practice restrictions.

Brief Description:  Changing physician assistant licensing and practice requirements.

Sponsors:  Senators Thibaudeau and Deccio.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  2/18/99 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/9/99, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Franklin and Winsley.

Staff:  Christopher Blake (786-7446)

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 of Bill:  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.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 17, 1999.

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

Testimony For:  By requiring physician assistants to pass an examination, this bill serves as a quality assurance mechanism.  This bill will correct technical problems.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Jeff Larsen, Washington Academy of Physician Assistants (pro).