SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1076

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Health & Long‑Term Care, March 15, 2001

Title:  An act relating to a limited license to practice medicine.

Brief Description:  Removing the two‑year limited license renewal limit on teaching‑research medical professionals.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Schual‑Berke, Campbell, Cody, Skinner, Pennington, Ruderman, Kagi, Darneille, Edmonds, Marine, Edwards, McDermott, Haigh and Kenney.

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:  Joan Mell (786‑7447)

Background:  The state Medical Quality Assurance Commission is authorized by law to issue a limited license to practice medicine to a person who is invited to serve as a teaching-research faculty member at the University of Washington School of Medicine.  The member must be a graduate of an approved medical school and hold a license to practice medicine.  The person may only practice within the confines of the instructional program.  A limited license is renewable annually, but its maximum duration is limited to two years.

Summary of Bill:  A limited license to practice medicine issued to a teaching-research member of the School of Medicine=s instructional staff is renewable annually.  The two-year maximum limit on the duration of a limited license is repealed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  Support of the legislation is appreciated.  Children=s is closing surgery suites because qualified anesthesiologists are not available.  Three physicians are waiting for the outcome of this legislation.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Fred Cheney, Jackie Der,  UW School of Medicine (pro).