Brief Description: Exempting the installation, maintenance, and repair of certain medical devices from electrician licensing requirements.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Commerce & Trade (originally sponsored by Senators Prentice, Honeyford, Shin and Rasmussen).

Hearing Date: 3/24/03

Staff: Jill Reinmuth (786-7134).

Background:

All electrical installations and all "materials, devices, appliances, and equipment" used in such installations must meet certain electrical safety standards. A person in the business of installing or maintaining equipment that conveys or is operated by electric current must have an electrical contractor license. A person working in the electrical construction trade must have an appropriate certificate of competency. There are a number of exemptions to these general requirements.

Any device used in the diagnosis or treatment of disease or injury which does not violate the federal Medical Devices Amendment of 1976 is deemed to be in compliance with all requirements imposed by state law on electricians and electrical installations. This federal law was enacted to ensure the safety and effectiveness of "medical devices." It established a comprehensive regulatory scheme administered by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

Summary of Bill:

The installation, maintenance, and repair of medical devices deemed in compliance with all requirements imposed by state law on electricians and electrical installations are exempt from electrical licensing and certification requirements. Such work must be performed by qualified factory engineers or third-party service companies with equivalent training. Such work does not include providing electrical feeds into power distribution units or installation of conduits and raceways.

Rules Authority: The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.