FINAL BILL REPORT
2SHB 1899
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. |
C 403 L 09
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning physicians holding a retired active license.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health & Human Services Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Warnick and Hinkle).
House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
House Committee on Health & Human Services Appropriations
Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care
Background:
Disciplining authorities, such as the Medical Quality Assurance Commission (MQAC), are statutorily authorized to create a special license for retired active practitioners. Such a licensee may practice only in emergent or intermittent circumstances, must meet continuing education and competency requirements, is subject to the Uniform Disciplinary Act, and pays a reduced renewal fee.
The MQAC has established requirements for retired active physicians. Under rules promulgated by the MQAC, a retired active physician:
must practice for no compensation; and
may only provide primary care services in community clinics that are operated by public or private tax-exempt corporations.
Physicians holding a retired active license must meet the same continuing education requirement for all other physicians, which is 200 hours every four years. The renewal fee for a retired active physician is $160 per year (active physicians pay $645 every two years).
Summary:
The number of hours of mandatory continuing education for a retired active physician may not exceed 50 hours per year (as opposed to 200 hours every four years). Retired active physicians who reside and practice in Washington are exempt from licensing fees associated with their licenses.
The MQAC must consider amending its rules on retired active physicians in a manner that improves access to health care services without compromising public safety. The MQAC must consider, at a minimum:
whether retired active physicians should be allowed to provide services beyond primary care;
whether retired active physicians should be allowed to provide services in settings beyond community clinics; and
the number and type of continuing education hours that retired active physicians are required to obtain.
The MQAC must determine whether it will amend its rules by November 15, 2009. If the MQAC determines that it will not amend its rules, it must provide a written explanation of its decision to the Legislature no later than December 1, 2009.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 96 | 0 | |
Senate | 44 | 0 | (Senate amended) |
House | 93 | 0 | (House concurred) |
Effective: | July 26, 2009 |