Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 1431

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 Slatter, Cody and Jinkins; by request of Department of Health.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Adds four members to the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery.

Hearing Date: 2/10/17

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

An osteopathic physician is a person authorized to use any and all methods in the treatment of disease, injuries, deformities, and all other physical and mental conditions in humans, including the use of osteopathic manipulative therapy. An osteopathic physician assistant is a person authorized to practice osteopathic medicine pursuant to a delegation agreement with an osteopathic physician.

The disciplining authority for osteopathic physicians and osteopathic physician assistants is the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (BOMS). The BOMS has seven members who must be United States citizens and residents of Washington. One member of the BOMS must be a consumer and the remaining members must be actively practicing Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons.

Summary of Bill:

Four members are added to the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (BOMS). The number of consumer members on the BOMS is increased from one to two. One osteopathic physician assistant is added to the BOMS. The two remaining additional members must be actively practicing Osteopathic physicians.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.