HOUSE BILL REPORT
EHB 1667
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed House:
March 14, 2007
Title: An act relating to fairness and equity in health professions licensing fees.
Brief Description: Regarding fairness and equity in health professions licensing fees.
Sponsors: By Representatives Green, Cody, Morrell, Ormsby, Moeller and Simpson.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/14/07, 2/27/07 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/14/07, 71-24.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Barlow, Campbell, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Condotta and Curtis.
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
The Secretary of Health (Secretary) and the various health profession boards and
commissions regulate the 57 health professions and 45 types of health care facilities and
services. The Secretary is responsible for establishing fees for all of these regulated entities.
Fees must be established according to the amount necessary to defray the costs of
administering the program. Fees may be waived by the Secretary when it is determined that
it is not in the best interest of public health and safety.
Summary of Engrossed Bill:
In addition to fees required for a health care provider credential, a $1.50 annual surcharge is
placed upon all health care provider credentials issued after January 1, 2008. Money received
from the surcharge shall be used to reduce the fees for members of any profession that has an
annual credentialing fee above $500. The surcharge expires on July 1, 2011.
The Department of Health (Department) must review the effectiveness of the surcharge in
eliminating inequities between professions in the amounts of credentialing fees. The
Department must submit the report to the Legislature by November 15, 2010.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill gives the Department the ability to collect funds in fewer subaccounts
of the Health Professions Account. The number of midwives has significantly decreased as
their fees have increased. This bill will preserve affordable access to childbirth care. This
bill has the potential to fix the health professions fee system. This bill more evenly
distributes the burden of funding the credentialing and disciplinary work of the Department.
(With concerns) The current system of having each profession pay for the cost of their
regulation is the most appropriate method for determining fees.
(Opposed) This bill does not say how the money collected will be distributed among the
professions. National organizations have endorsed the current professional fee system that
Washington uses.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Green, prime sponsor; Nick Federici and
Audrey Levine, Midwives Association of Washington; Erin Greenlee; and Carolee Hall.
(With concerns) Joan Garner, Washington State Nurses Association.
(Opposed) Tim Layton, Washington State Medical Association.