HOUSE BILL REPORT
EHB 2518
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:
February 13, 2008
Title: An act relating to a retired volunteer medical worker license.
Brief Description: Concerning retired volunteer medical worker licenses.
Sponsors: By Representatives Schual-Berke, Hinkle, Pedersen, Green, Morrell, Moeller, Seaquist, VanDeWege, Ormsby and Cody.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/14/08, 1/21/08 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/13/08, 97-0.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Condotta, DeBolt, Green, Moeller, Pedersen and Schual-Berke.
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
Retired volunteer medical workers are individuals who have held an active license issued by
the Secretary of Health or a health profession board or commission within the previous 10
years, do not have any restrictions against their previous license, and are registered as a
volunteer with a local emergency services or management organization. They may only
practice upon activation by their local emergency services or management organization when
there is a declared emergency, disaster, or authorized training. They must practice under an
assigned supervisor. To renew a retired volunteer medical worker license, the license holder
must complete a basic first aid course, a bloodborne pathogens course, and a CPR course
every three years.
Summary of Engrossed Bill:
Individuals who previously held a license to practice a health profession in another state or
territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or Canada or any of its Provinces may
apply for a retired volunteer medical worker license if that jurisdiction's licensing standards
are substantially similar to those of Washington. The individual must have held the license
within 10 years of applying for the initial retired volunteer medical worker license.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Current law does not allow emergency response organizations who use
volunteers to recruit retired physicians from the military or outside of Washington. Without
reciprocity many retired health care providers who would like to volunteer their services are
not be able to serve.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Schual-Berke, prime sponsor; Dr. Diana To Yu, Thurston County, Washington, Region 3 Medical Reserve Corps.