HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1344

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 Summary of Substitute Bill

Adds occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, dietitians, nutritionists, speech-language pathologists, and licensed practical nurses to the list of health professionals who pay a license surcharge for online access to selected clinical resources at the University of Washington Health Sciences Library.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 16 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Jinkins, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Hope, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Clibborn, Green, Harris, Manweller, Moeller, Morrell, Riccelli, Ross, Short, Tharinger and Van De Wege.

Background:

The Department of Health (DOH) must charge fees to professionals licensed by the DOH and the health professions boards and commissions. The fees must be based on the cost to the agency for the licensure of the activity or class of activities.

In 2007 a fee surcharge of up to $25 was added to license fees for certain health professionals to pay for online access to selected clinical resources through the University of Washington Health Sciences Library. Beginning January 1, 2009, these licensees were given access to HEAL-WA, the Health Evidence Resource for Washington State. The HEAL-WA contains clinical resources, medical journals, electronic textbooks, decision support tools, and evidence-based reviews of procedures, drugs, and devices. As of February 2013 more than 19,400 licensed healthcare providers are registered HEAL-WA users.

The online access fee surcharge is charged to the license fee of physicians and osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, naturopaths, podiatrists, chiropractors, psychologists, registered nurses, optometrists, mental health counselors, massage therapists, clinical social workers, midwives, marriage and family therapists, and East Asian medicine practitioners.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

Occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, dietitians, nutritionists, speech-language pathologists, and licensed practical nurses are added to the list of health professionals whose license fee is increased by up to $25 for online access to selected clinical resources at the University of Washington Health Sciences Library.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill adds occupational therapist assistants, dietitians, nutritionists, speech-language pathologists, and licensed practical nurses to the list of providers that pay the surcharge for online access to the University of Washington Health Sciences Library.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The Washington Occupational Therapy Association supports this bill because it will increase access to evidence-based medical resources that occupational therapists can implement, ultimately improving their practice. The Association is working with the University of Washington to determine the specific resources in HEAL-WA that will most benefit occupational therapists. The broad bill title was used to allow other health professions to express their interest in being added to the HEAL-WA network.

(In support with amendment(s)) Speech-language pathologists are interested in becoming part of HEAL-WA. Dietitians and nutritionists are seeking inclusion in HEAL-WA because they are on the frontline battling obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The HEAL-WA will give dietitians and nutritionists additional access to evidence-based medical information and help them improve patient outcomes.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Cody, prime sponsor; and JoAnn Keller, Washington Occupational Therapy Association.

(In support with amendment(s)) Melissa Johnson, Washington Speech Language Hearing Association; and Scott Sigmon, Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.