Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1275
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: Increasing the number of members on the board of osteopathic medicine and surgery.
Sponsors: Representatives Cody and Haler.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/27/15
Staff: Alexa Silver (786-7190).
Background:
The disciplining authority for osteopathic physicians and physician assistants is the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (Board). The Board establishes qualifications for licensure, administers examinations, and establishes requirements for continuing professional education.
The Board consists of seven individuals, one of whom is a consumer who does not have a financial or fiduciary relationship to a health care delivery system, and six of whom are licensed osteopathic physicians who have been in active practice in Washington for at least five years immediately preceding their appointment. Each member must be a U.S. citizen and Washington resident. Board members serve five-year terms. The Governor appoints Board members and may remove them for neglect of duty, misconduct, malfeasance, or misfeasance in office, or upon the written requested of two-thirds of active, licensed osteopathic physicians.
Board members are reimbursed for travel expenses and are compensated up to $50 for each day in which they attend an official meeting or perform statutorily prescribed duties.
Summary of Bill:
The number of members on the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery is increased from seven to 11. Of the four new members:
two must be licensed osteopathic physicians who have been in active practice in Washington for at least the past five years;
one must be a licensed osteopathic physician assistant who has been in active practice in Washington for at least the past five years; and
one must be a consumer who does not have a financial or fiduciary relationship to a health care delivery system.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.