| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Health Care & Wellness Committee | |
HB 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.
Brief Description: Regarding fairness and equity in health professions licensing fees.
Sponsors: Representatives Green, Cody, Morrell, Ormsby, Moeller and Simpson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/14/07
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
The Secretary of Health 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.
Health professions are categorized in one of three levels of regulation. There are general
characteristics associated with each category, however, in several cases there are variations from
these features. Registration is the least restrictive form of regulation and it simply requires a
submission of formal notification to the Secretary of the applicant's intent to practice a
profession. Certification offers title protection for having met education and examination
requirements, however, there is no requirement that individuals practicing a certified profession
become certified in order to practice. Licensing requires that an applicant pass an examination
and complete an educational program in order to practice the profession.
In the 2006 Supplemental Operating Budget, the Department of Health was instructed to
evaluate alternative models for funding the regulation of the health professions. The study
identified an option for funding health professions regulation which established fees according to
the level of credentialing. Under this option, licensed health care providers would pay $125,
certified health care providers would pay $50, and registered health care providers would pay
$30.
Summary of Bill:
When adopting fees for health profession credentials, the Secretary must establish the fees so
that they are equal for all health professions within each of the three categories of credentialing:
registered, certified, and licensed. Fee levels must be sufficient to cover the costs of
administering all of the professions within each category.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Preliminary fiscal note available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.