SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2435
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:
Health & Long-Term Care, February 18, 2010
Title: An act relating to providing licensed midwives online access to the University of Washington health sciences library.
Brief Description: Concerning midwives.
Sponsors: Representatives Green, Kelley, Roberts, Nelson, Goodman, Hudgins and Hunt.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/28/10, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/17/10, 2/18/10 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Fairley, Murray and Parlette.
Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)
Background: In 2007 a surcharge of up to $25 was added to license fees for certain health professionals to provide them with online access to selected clinical resources through the University Of Washington Health Sciences Library. Beginning January 1, 2009, these licensees were given access to vital clinical resources, medical journals, decision-support tools, and evidence based reviews of procedures, drugs and devices. Each year, by December 1 the University of Washington is to provide an accounting for the use of funds transferred and which categories of health professionals are using the materials available under this program. Midwives were not included in the list of health professionals to be charged this additional fee, nor were they provided access to the resources through the University of Washington Health Sciences Library.
Summary of Bill: Midwives are added to the list of health professionals who are charged up to $25 by the Department of Health and provided with online access to selected clinical resources through the University of Washington Health Sciences Library.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
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: Midwives would like to be included because they often work independently and can benefit from up-to-date and evidence-based information. It was an oversight to have left them out of the original bill.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Green, prime sponsor; Amber Ulvenes, Midwives Association of Washington State.