HOUSE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to increasing the number of members on the board of osteopathic medicine and surgery.
Brief Description: Increasing the number of members on the board of osteopathic medicine and surgery.
Sponsors: Representatives Cody and Haler.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/27/15, 1/30/15 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Riccelli, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Harris, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Clibborn, Jinkins, Johnson, Moeller, Robinson, Rodne, Short and Tharinger.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Caldier and DeBolt.
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 United States 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.
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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.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The number of osteopathic physicians is continuing to grow, and the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery needs more help to ensure that the workload is covered. Part of the growth is attributable to the osteopathic medical school in Yakima, and those graduates should be encouraged to keep practicing in Washington. Costs would be paid by licensing fees.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Dave Knutson, Washington Osteopathic Medical Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.