FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5857

PARTIAL VETO

                                  C 416 L 87

BYSenate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Wojahn, Deccio, Tanner, Johnson and Vognild)

Establishing the impaired physician program.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committe on Health Care

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Currently, there is no statutory authority for the treatment of physicians impaired by alcoholism, drug abuse, and mental illness.  Physicians suspected by the Medical Disciplinary Board as having impairment problems are evaluated.  If the Board determines that the physician has an impairment problem, it has the right to impose sanctions prescribed by the Uniform Disciplinary Act.  In most cases the Board requires that physicians enroll in a treatment program acceptable to the Board.  Physicians may refer themselves for treatment for impairment problems.

SUMMARY:

The Medical Disciplinary Board is directed to enter into an agreement with a committee whose purpose is to identify impaired physicians, intervene in cases of verified impairment, and provide treatment and post-treatment.

The composition of the committee must include physicians who have expertise in the areas of alcoholism, drug abuse, or mental illness.  They are to be broadly representative of the state's physicians.

The impaired physician program is funded through a surcharge of up to $15 placed on each new and renewed physician license, which is dedicated to the program.

The physician committee shall consult with the Board with regard to statistical information on impaired physicians and investigations conducted.  The commission is required to report to the Board the name of any physician who is believed to constitute an imminent danger to the public or any physician who refuses to cooperate with the committee.

The Board shall direct the committee to evaluate any physician it believes to be impaired.  The findings of the committee are to be reported to the Board.

All committee records pertaining to impaired physicians are confidential and not subject to subpoena, the public disclosure law, or admissible in any legal proceedings.

Freedom from liability is granted to Board and committee members while in the performance of their duties.

Appropriation:    $501,200 biennium

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    45     0

      House 95   0 (House amended)

      Senate    47     0 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 1, 1987

Partial Veto Summary:  The section is removed which prevents records of the committee from subpoena or from being admissible in any legal proceeding.  (See VETO MESSAGE)