SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 563
BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representative Braddock)
Revising provisions relating to the uniform disciplinary act.
House Committe on Health Care
Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections
Senate Hearing Date(s):March 24, 1987; April 2, 1987
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Deccio, Johnson, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Peterson, Tanner.
Senate Staff:Scott Plack (787-7409)
April 2, 1987
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, APRIL 2, 1987
BACKGROUND:
Psychologists, nursing home administrators and hearing aid dealers are not covered under the Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA). Their respective disciplinary boards have elected to come under the UDA. The purpose of the Uniform Disciplinary Act is to provide uniform procedures and unprofessional conduct provisions for all the regulated health professions.
The operation of professional practices by unlicensed persons and businesses is not currently governed by the Uniform Disciplinary Act. The disciplinary authorities of a number of health professions have no authority to pursue remedies and sanctions provided by that act for unlicensed practice.
Currently, there are no recognized formats established for credentialing new health professions seeking registration, certification or licensure.
SUMMARY:
The Council on Hearing Aids, the Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators and the Examining Board of Psychology, being the disciplinary authorities for the regulated professions of hearing aid dealers, nursing home administrators and psychologists, are covered under the provisions of the Uniform Disciplinary Act. Existing statutory provisions in conflict with the Uniform Disciplinary Act are repealed.
Unauthorized practice by persons or businesses is governed by the the Uniform Disciplinary Act for the professions of acupuncture, podiatry, chiropractic, dental hygienists, dentistry, dispensing opticians, hearing aids, drugless healing, embalmers and funeral directors, midwifery, ocularists, osteopathy, occupational therapists, physicians and physician assistants, physical therapy, practical nurses, psychology, registered nurses, veterinary medicine and massage operators.
A number of housekeeping changes are made to the Uniform Disciplinary Act. Board members are authorized to direct investigations of complaints, but can delegate to others to sign subpoenas and statements of charges. The director of the Department of Licensing can, upon the request of a disciplinary board, appoint up to three pro-temps members to committees for the purpose of conducting investigations and practice reviews. Fines assessed for violations of the UDA can be enforced in Superior Court. Violations of injunctions are punishable by a maximum civil penalty of $25,000.
Uniform administrative provisions are provided for the regulation of new health professions credentialed after the effective date of this chapter. Uniform formats for the registration, certification or licensure of new health professions are established for consistency in the future licensure of health professions. General powers and duties are specified, including adoption of rules, setting self-supporting fees, establishing forms and procedures, hiring staff, administering examinations and registering, certifying or licensing applicants. Professional advisory committees appointed by the director will assist the Department in these responsibilities.
The State Health Coordinating Council is required to make recommendations assessing the social and financial impacts of any proposal for a mandated health insurance coverage, if requested by legislative committees.
Fiscal Note: available
Senate Committee - Testified: Dr. John Brown, Washington State Dental Disciplinary Board; Mike Ryherd, WSMA; Chris Rose, Dept. of Licensing; Gail Toraason, Washington State Psychological Association; Bill Fritz, Association of Hearing Aid Dealers; Tina Foss, Re-evaluation Counselor