SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5772
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 16, 2015
Title: An act relating to requiring physicians and physician assistants to provide requested demographic information at the time of license renewal.
Brief Description: Requiring physicians and physician assistants to provide requested demographic information at the time of license renewal.
Sponsors: Senators Conway, Frockt and Bailey; by request of Department of Health.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/16/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: The Medical Quality Assurance Commission (Commission) establishes and monitors qualifications for licensure of physicians and physician assistants, and enforces practice standards and professional conduct through discipline and continuing education. Physicians and physician assistants renew their licenses on a two-year cycle, in accordance with Commission rules and on a form approved by the Commission. The Commission must request licensees to submit information about their current professional practice at the time of license renewal. This information includes practice setting, medical specialty, board certification, or other relevant data determined by the Commission.
Licensees are not required to provide the information requested of them by the Commission.
Summary of Bill: The Commission must request physicians and physician assistants to submit information about their current professional practice at the time of license renewal and licensees must provide the information requested.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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 Commission needs demographic information to help it plan for future health care needs and workforce issues. The Commission is requesting this information now, but they are receiving a less than 50 percent response rate. The same requirement should be made for osteopathic physicians and osteopathic physician assistants.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Conway, prime sponsor; Richard Brantner, Medical Quality Assurance Commission; David Knutson, WA Osteopathic Medical Assn.