Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2570
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 term limits for members of the medical quality assurance commission.
Sponsors: Representative Cody.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/29/14
Staff: Jenna Zwang (786-7290) and Alexa Silver (786-7190).
Background:
The purpose of the Medical Quality Assurance Commission (MQAC) is to protect the public by assuring that quality health care is provided by physicians and physician assistants. The MQAC regulates the competency and quality of licensed physicians and physician assistants by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing qualifications for licensing, standards of practice, continuing competency mechanisms, and discipline. The MQAC currently regulates about 30,000 licenses. The MQAC also has the ability to revoke a physician's or physician assistant's license and has established a system of mandatory reporting for misconduct.
The MQAC has 21 members. It is comprised of 13 licensed Washington physicians, two licensed physician assistants, and six members of the public. At least two of the public members must not be affiliated with the health care industry. The 13 licensed physicians must include a representative from each congressional district. Members must be U.S. citizens, residents of Washington, and, if a physician, must have been licensed to practice medicine in Washington for at least five years.
Members of the MQAC are appointed by the Governor to staggered four-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms. A majority of members serves as a quorum for transacting business of the MQAC. The Governor may remove members for neglect of duty, misconduct, or malfeasance or misfeasance in office.
Summary of Bill:
Members of the Medical Quality Assurance Commission may not serve more than three consecutive full terms.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.