SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1069

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Health & Long‑Term Care, March 15, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the health professions' use of pro tem board members.

Brief Description:  Modifying the health professions' appointment of pro tem members.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Campbell, Cody and Edwards; by request of Department of Health.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  3/15/01 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Staff:  Chelsea Buchanan (786‑7446)

Background:  The Department of Health's  health professions boards and commissions may establish committees to assist with disciplinary and related proceedings.  Currently no more than three pro tem members may be appointed per board or commission.

Concern exists about high case volumes and the cost of hiring specialists for these committees, prompting the request to appoint greater numbers of pro tem members.

Summary of Bill:  Health professions boards/commissions are given the ability to appoint multiple pro tem members to panels.  Appointments are limited to one year, and pro tem members may serve no more than four one-year terms.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Health professions boards need additional pro tem members to ease the workload.  Pro tem members are especially needed when regular members have to recuse themselves due to conflicts of interest.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Tom Campbell, prime sponsor (pro); Sue Shoblom, Department of Health (pro).