HOUSE BILL REPORT

SHB 1874

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 Passed House:

February 12, 2016

Title: An act relating to the requirements of allopathic physician licensure.

Brief Description: Regarding the requirements of allopathic physician licensure.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Tharinger, Cody and Riccelli; by request of Department of Health).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 2/18/15, 2/20/15 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/9/15, 98-0.

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/12/16, 96-0.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Allows the Medical Quality Assurance Commission to approve foreign medical schools.

  • Requires the Medical Quality Assurance Commission to adopt rules specifying approved residency programs.

  • Allows the Medical Quality Assurance Commission to grant full licenses to physicians with exceptional education, training, and practice credentials and to holders of limited teaching-research licenses.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 15 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Riccelli, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Harris, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Clibborn, DeBolt, Jinkins, Johnson, Moeller, Robinson, Rodne, Short, Tharinger and Van De Wege.

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

Physician Licensure in General.

The Medical Quality Assurance Commission (MQAC) is responsible for the licensure and discipline of physicians. A physician who graduates from a medical school within the United States or Canada must meet a variety of qualifications, including:

The two years of post-graduate training (which includes internships, residencies, and fellowships) must be in a program acceptable to the MQAC. The MQAC only approves programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Foreign Medical School Graduates.

Graduates of foreign medical schools (other than those in Canada) must meet all of the requirements as graduates from domestic schools, including the two years of post-graduate medical training. In addition, foreign medical school graduates must pass the examination given by the Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates and be able to read, write, speak, understand, and be understood in English.

A foreign medical school graduate is exempt from the two-year post-graduate medical training requirement if he or she has:

Limited Licenses.

The MQAC may issue a limited license without examination to persons who meet certain qualifications. For example:

Summary of Substitute Bill:

Physician Licensure in General.

The MQAC must adopt by rule a list of approved medical schools and postgraduate medical training programs as defined by their accrediting bodies. The requirement that the applicant be able to read, write, speak, understand, and be understood in English is made applicable to all applicants, not just foreign medical school graduates.

Foreign Medical School Graduates.

The MQAC is granted the authority to approve medical schools in other countries. Foreign medical school graduates must complete the certification process with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (instead of only passing the examination).

The special licensing requirements for multiple sclerosis specialists are eliminated. The MQAC may grant a license to an applicant upon a finding that the applicant's practice in Washington would benefit the public welfare, based on the applicant's exceptional education, training, and practice credentials. Applicants must:

Limited Licenses.

The holder of a teaching-research license is eligible for full licensure if he or she:

The prohibition against a fellowship license being renewed for more than two years is eliminated.

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) There is a huge need for physicians in this state; this bill will expand access to physicians statewide. This bill simplifies current law by combining the domestic and international training statutes with some minor updates. This bill will help the MQAC update outdated program lists. This bill will allow physicians holding a limited license who are training the next generation of practitioners to become fully licensed. This bill makes technical fixes and removes outdated barriers to licensure. This bill will help the state plan for the future of medical training.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Tharinger, prime sponsor; and Micah Matthew, Medical Quality Assurance Commission.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.