SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5072
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 2, 2017
Title: An act relating to graduate medical education.
Brief Description: Concerning graduate medical education.
Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Rivers, Conway, Cleveland, Saldaña, Bailey, Hasegawa and Wellman.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/02/17.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)
Background: The Family Medicine Residency Network (FMRN) at the University of Washington was established to increase the number of family medicine physicians in shortage areas in Washington by providing fiscal incentives for hospitals and clinics to develop or expand residency programs in those areas. The deans of the schools of medicine are responsible for implementing the development and expansion of residency programs in cooperation with the medical profession, hospitals, and clinics throughout the state.
The medical education system must provide financial support for residents in training for programs that are affiliated with the schools of medicine. The number of programs established must be determined by the family medicine advisory board.
The FMRN includes an 11-member Family Medicine Education Advisory Board that considers and provides recommendations on the selection of areas within Washington where affiliate residency programs could exist, including the allocation of funds to programs. State funding received through the FMRN may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of a residency program.
Summary of Bill: The schools of medicine, medical profession, hospitals and clinics, in consultation with the family medicine residency advisory board, must purse opportunities for developing family medicine residency programs that would be enhanced by Spanish speaking medical graduates.
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: ELAM is very multicultural and graduates practice medicine all over the world. However, there are currently barriers for ELAM graduates to practice in Washington state. These graduates would be Spanish speakers and very skilled in primary care, and would benefit the state. ELAM commits to training quality physicians who can practice in some of the most difficult conditions throughout the world. ELAM graduates could help fill physician shortages in rural areas in Washington state, especially in Spanish speaking communities.
OTHER: The FMRN currently has a program that concentrates on helping Spanish speaking trainees find residency opportunities in Washington. The FMRN is currently expanding, and has added 215 new residency spots with an influx of state funding. Many of these new residencies are found in the Tri-Cities and Yakima.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Karen Keiser, Prime Sponsor; Sol Bockelie, Latin American School of Medicine. OTHER: Ian Goodhew, UW Medicine.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.