Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Health Care Committee

SB 5903

Brief Description:  Changing physician license fees.

Sponsors:  By Senators Winsley, Franklin, Costa and Thibaudeau.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Raises the $25 annual surcharge on physician licenses to no more than $35 to fund the Impaired Physicians Program.

Hearing Date:  3/29/01

Staff:  John Welsh (786‑7133).

Background: 

A statutory surcharge of $25 is added to a licensing fee or license renewal fee of physicians for financing the Impaired Physician Program.  The Medical Quality Assurance Commission is required by law to enter into a contract with a professional entity which provides evaluation and treatment services to physicians impaired as a result of chemical abuse or mental illness to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety to their patients.

Summary of Bill: 

The statutory surcharge of $25 for financing the Impaired Physician Program is raised to no more than $35.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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