SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2257
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 Senate Committee On:
Health & Long Term Care, February 19, 2018
Title: An act relating to prohibiting maintenance of certification from being required for certain health professions.
Brief Description: Prohibiting maintenance of certification from being required for certain health professions.
Sponsors: Representatives McBride, Stokesbary, Graves, Rodne, Macri, Jinkins and Doglio.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/29/18, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/15/18, 2/19/18 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Cleveland, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Rivers, Ranking Member; Bailey, Conway, Fain, Keiser, Mullet and Van De Wege.
Staff: Greg Attanasio (786-7410)
Background: Board certification is a voluntary process separate from medical licensure. Board certification demonstrates a physician’s exceptional expertise in a particular specialty of medical practice. A MOC is a recently implemented formal recertification program that includes ongoing continuing education activities for physicians to maintain their board certification through one of the 24 medical specialty boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties and the 18 medical specialty boards of the American Osteopathic Association.
The Commission establishes the qualifications for allopathic physician licensure and renewal in Washington. To be eligible for a license, an applicant must have graduated from an approved medical school, have completed two years of postgraduate medical training, be of good moral character, be physically and mentally capable of safely practicing medicine, and successfully complete an examination. For license renewal, a physician must must satisfy one of four requirements, including completion of a MOC.
Osteopathic physicians are licensed to practice osteopathic medicine by the Board. To be eligible for a license to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery, an applicant must have graduated from an accredited school of osteopathic medicine and surgery, have completed at least one year of postgraduate training, be physically and mentally capable of safely practicing medicine, and successfully complete an examination. To maintain a license, an osteopathic physician must complete 150 hours of continuing education every three years. Board certification or completion of a MOC satisfies the continuing education requirement.
Summary of Bill: The Commission and Board may not require physicians to complete a MOC as a condition of licensure or renewal, but may allow physicians to fulfill renewal requirements through the completion of a MOC. The relevant disciplinary authority may require a MOC as part of a disposition or reinstatement order under the Uniform Disciplinary Act.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: MOCs are controversial because some believe they are burdensome, expensive, and do not provide useful information. The bill is an important step to make clear in law that a MOC is not required for physician licensure in Washington.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Joan McBride, Prime Sponsor; Katie Kolan, Washington State Medical Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.