SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5203
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 of January 25, 2007
Title: An act relating to membership of the Washington state medical quality assurance commission.
Brief Description: Including a holistic medicine practitioner on the Washington state medical quality assurance commission.
Sponsors: Senators Delvin, Kohl-Welles, Pflug and Roach.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 1/25/07.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE
Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)
Background: The Medical Quality Assurance Commission (Commission) is responsible for the
regulation of physicians and physician assistants by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing
qualifications for licensing, practice and discipline. The Commission consists of 21 members.
Thirteen members must be licensed to practice medicine in Washington State, two members must
be licensed as physician assistants, and six must be members of the public. All Commission
members are appointed by the Governor and serve staggered terms. The Commission may
appoint a panel of three members for case review.
According to the American Board of Holistic Medicine, holistic medicine is the art and science
of healing that addresses care of the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. Holistic medicine
integrates conventional and complementary therapies to promote optimal health and prevent and
treat disease. A holistic practitioner may utilize conventional medical therapies as well as
alternative therapies such as herbal medicine, relaxation and stress management, nutrition, and
acupuncture.
Summary of Bill: At least one member of the Commission who is a physician must practice in
the area of holistic medicine and be certified by the American Board of Holistic Medicine.
If a panel is reviewing a case involving a holistic medicine practitioner, at least one member of
the panel must be a practitioner of holistic medicine.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Holistic practitioners feel they are being picked
on and dealt with unfairly because Commission members don't have their background. Citizens
who use alternative medical care providers need support from the medical board, especially for
those who are dealing with the potential effect of toxins and complex conditions such as autism.
Legislators should support citizen choice and competition in the health care field.
CON: Holistic doctors are not a recognized specialty in Washington State. The Commission
already consults with specialty providers on cases where they don't have expertise. Requiring a
holistic doctor to sit on the Commission does not solve the problem.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Jerome Delvin, prime sponsor; Denise Fulton, Autism
Research Institute; Ann Clifton, Mercury Awareness Team.
CON: Carl Nelson, Washington State Medical Association.