SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5206
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 of February 6, 2013
Title: An act relating to increasing the health professions participating in online access to the University of Washington health sciences library.
Brief Description: Authorizing occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, dieticians, and nutritionists to participate in online access to the University of Washington health sciences library.
Sponsors: Senators Becker, Keiser, Schlicher, Parlette and Conway.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/05/13.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)
Background: Fees charged for licensing of health care professionals cannot exceed the cost to the Department of Health for the licensing activities and can include the costs of inspections.
The University of Washington (UW) currently provides online access to selected vital clinical resources, medical journals, decision support tools, and evidence-based reviews of procedures, drugs, and devices to certain health professions. The professions include physicians and physician assistants, osteopathic physicians and osteopathic 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.
This service is provided through the health sciences library. The UW provides an annual accounting of the use of the funds transferred for this purpose and lists the categories of health professionals using these services. This information is made available to the health care committees of the Legislature.
Health professionals' license fees include up to an additional $25 to pay for this service.
Summary of Bill: Occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, dietitians, and nutritionists are added to the list of health care professionals who can have online access to the research resources through the health sciences library at the UW. The license fees for these additional health care professionals can include up to an additional $25 for this purpose.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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: Having access to specialized resources and evidence-based studies will enhance this profession's credibility with other health care professionals and enhance the level of care available to patients. We view the additional fee as an investment in our profession. This will improve medical outcomes for our clients.
Persons Testifying: Scott Sigmon, Linda Cashman, Marissa Claiborne, WA State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Joanne Keller, WA Occupational Therapy Assn.