SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2432

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 23, 2016

Title: An act relating to substance abuse monitoring for licensed veterinarians, osteopathic physicians and surgeons, and osteopathic physician assistants.

Brief Description: Concerning substance abuse monitoring for licensed veterinarians, osteopathic physicians and surgeons, and osteopathic physician assistants.

Sponsors: Representatives Riccelli, Harris, Cody, Caldier and Tarleton.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/16, 94-2.

Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/23/16.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)

Background: A disciplining authority may refer a licensee to a substance abuse monitoring program in lieu of formal discipline if the disciplining authority determines that unprofessional conduct is the product of substance abuse. The licensee must consent to the referral. The referral may include probationary conditions. If the licensee does not consent to the referral or fails to meet the requirements of the program, the disciplining authority may take formal disciplinary action against the licensee.

The disciplining authorities for some health professions are directed by statute to enter into a contract with a voluntary substance abuse monitoring program. For example, the Veterinary Board of Governors must enter into a contract with an entity that may include any or all of the following:

The disciplining authorities for other health professions establish their programs through administrative rule. For example, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (Board) adopted a rule that requires the Board to enter into a contract with an approved substance abuse monitoring program. The Board rule imposes requirements on the program, including requiring the program to:

The costs of treatment are the responsibility of the participating licensee. The disciplining authorities for prescribers impose a surcharge on licensees to pay for staff at the monitoring program, who act as case managers and provide information to licensees on treatment options. The surcharge for veterinarians is $10. The surcharge for osteopathic physicians and osteopathic physician assistants is $25.

Summary of Bill: The requirement for the Board to contract with a substance abuse monitoring program is placed in statute. The Board must enter into a contract with an entity that may include any or all of the following:

The surcharge placed on certain practitioners is increased as follows:

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: The osteopathic practitioners and the veterinarians approached the prime sponsor and requested that the fee for the substance abuse monitoring program be increased. The programs need to have the resources necessary to help these practitioners. Funding increases will help to meet the need of the programs. The practitioners involved have agreed to the fee increase. The fees need to be increased because inflation has raised the costs of these programs and the increase will ensure the continued ability to provide services.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Rep. Riccelli, Prime Sponsor; Dr. Charles Meredith, Washington Physicians Health Program/Medical Director; Sheldon Cooper, Washington Physicians Health Program; Greg Hanon, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.