SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6334

                    As of January 21, 2000

Title:  An act relating to Asian medicine.

Brief Description:  Deleting references to Oriental medicine.

Sponsors:  Senators Shin, Sheahan, Kohl‑Welles, Costa, Thibaudeau, Heavey, Prentice, Rasmussen and B. Sheldon.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  1/24/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff:  Jinnah Rose-McFadden (786-7444)

Background:  The term "oriental" is believed to be an outmoded and demeaning term. There has been a movement among the Asian-American community to urge that the term "oriental" be discontinued and replaced with "Asian."

The term "oriental" is currently used in state law, in reference to "oriental medicine" and "oriental systems of medical theory."

Summary of Bill:  The term "oriental," as used in state law regarding the licensing of practitioners of "oriental medicine," is replaced with "Asian."

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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