SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1093

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Health & Long‑Term Care, March 21, 2001

Title:  An act relating to increasing the license surcharge for the impaired physician program.

Brief Description:  Changing physician license fees.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Schual‑Berke, Ballasiotes, Cody, Campbell, Ruderman, Skinner, Conway, Edmonds, Kenney and Kagi).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  3/21/01 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Staff:  Joan K. Mell (786‑7447)

Background:  A statutory surcharge of $25 is added to a licensing fee or license renewal fee of physicians to finance 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.

Testimony For:  The bill is needed to enhance programs for impaired physicians.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Sue Shoblom, Dept. of Health.