SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5913

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 24, 2009

Title: An act relating to online access to the University of Washington health sciences library by certain health care providers.

Brief Description: Concerning online access to the University of Washington health sciences library by certain health care providers.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5913 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Fairley, Marr, Murray and Parlette.

Background: In 2007 legislation increased annual licensure fees for health care professions by $25. The money was directed to be transferred to the University of Washington (UW) to provide online access to the school's Health Sciences Library.

By January 1, 2009, licensed health care practitioners were to have access to selected vital clinical resources, medical journals, decision support tools, and evidence-based reviews of procedures, drugs, and devices. These practitioners included physicians, osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, naturopaths, podiatrists, chiropractors, psychologists, registered nurses, optometrists, mental health counselors, massage therapists, clinical social workers, and acupuncturists.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): Each person who pays the $25 surcharge for access to the UW Health Sciences Library must pay only one surcharge per year, regardless of how many professional licenses the person holds.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): The University of Washington must provide an annual accounting of how the funds are being used and which categories of providers are using the library materials.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: This fixes an unintended consequence of the previous legislation. Work is being done to create a database that is useful to the professions being charged the new fee.