FINAL BILL REPORT

ESSB 5307

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.

Brief Description: Concerning evaluating military training and experience toward meeting licensing requirements in medical professions.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Hewitt, Regala, Conway, Kastama, Hobbs, King, Rockefeller, Swecker and Roach).

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

Background: The Department of Health (DOH) licenses health care professionals in accordance with statutory requirements. These requirements often include educational components, successful passage of examinations, completed apprenticeship programs, and experience components.

Summary: People with military training and experience may count that training and experience towards professional licensing requirements unless that profession's regulatory body determines that the training and experience is not substantially equivalent to the standards of this state. This applies to the following health care professions: dispensing opticians, ocularists, osteopathic physician assistants, pharmacy assistants, physician assistants, emergency medical technicians, physical therapists, radiologic technologists, nursing assistants, respiratory care practitioners, health care assistants, surgical technologists, dental assistants, and denturists.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	46	0
House	93	0