SENATE BILL REPORT
ESHB 1394
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 Reported By Senate Committee On:
Higher Education, February 21, 2008
Title: An act relating to training medical students to work with patients with developmental disabilities.
Brief Description: Authorizing incentive grants to support medical research and products to improve services to persons with developmental disabilities.
Sponsors: House Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Williams, Roach, O'Brien, Hurst, Ormsby, Chase and Simpson).
Brief History: Passed House: 1/23/08, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Higher Education:2/20/08, 2/21/08 [DPA].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Shin, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey and Schoesler.
Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)
Background: The University of Washington School of Medicine (School of Medicine) provides publicly supported medical education to students studying and training to become medical doctors. The School of Medicine is responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of its curriculum. A 2005 report by Special Olympics, Inc. concluded that physicians, dentists, and other health professionals do not receive adequate training to treat individuals with intellectual disabilities. Within the last few years, reports from the Surgeon General of the United States have also found a need to increase training among health care professionals to address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): Subject to the appropriation of funds, the School of Medicine, the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, nursing students and faculty at schools of nursing, and special and technical care students and faculty at technical schools may be awarded grants for research or training projects focused on the improvement of medical services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The grant program is administered by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in consultation with the developmental disabilities council and the state-designated protection and advocacy system. DSHS must report to the Legislature by December 2008 regarding grants that have been awarded, and progress in expanding or improving training for medical students in this subject area.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): DSHS administers the grant program. DSHS must consult with the Developmental Disabilities Council, the state-designated protection and advocacy system, and others to implement the provisions of the bill.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Engrossed Substitute Bill: PRO: The provisions should be expanded to include all schools that train health care professionals in Washington. Developmentally disabled individuals have the right to quality health care. These are specialized areas of practice in which health care professionals need training. Lack of knowledge and training in this specific area prevent some health care professionals from providing quality care.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Rick Jensen, Maureen Durkan, Action for Developmental Disabilities; David Lord, Disability Rights Washington.