Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Health Care & Wellness Committee
HB 1972
Brief Description: Increasing the licensure fees that support the Washington physicians health program.
Sponsors: Representatives Simmons, Harris, Reed, Ormsby and Riccelli.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Raises surcharge fees for the Washington Physician Health Program for physicians, osteopathic physicians, podiatric physicians, dentists, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
Hearing Date: 1/9/24
Staff:

Benjamin Ratcliff (786-7291) and Jim Morishima (786-7191)

Background:

Washington Physicians Health Program.
If a disciplining authority determines that unprofessional conduct by a licensee may be the result of an applicable impairing or potentially impairing health condition, the disciplining authority may refer the licensee to a physician health program or a voluntary substance use disorder monitoring program approved by the disciplining authority in lieu of disciplinary action.  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 Washington Medical Commission, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, the Dental Quality Assurance Commission, the Podiatric Medical Board, and the State Veterinarian Board of Governors all contract with the same entity to implement their physician health program.  The entity does not itself provide treatment but provides services such as referring practitioners to treatment programs and monitoring compliance.  

 

Costs/Fees.
Physician Health Program costs are financed primarily by surcharges on license issuances and renewals.  For physicians, osteopathic physicians, podiatric physicians, dentists, and physician assistants, the fee is $50.  For veterinarians, the fee is $25.

Summary of Bill:

The license surcharge for the Physician Health Program of $50 for physicians, osteopathic physicians, podiatric physicians, dentists, and physician assistants is raised to $70.  The surcharge of $25 for veterinarians is raised to $35.

Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill contains multiple effective dates. Please see the bill.