SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5890

BYSenators Tanner, Johnson and Deccio

Extending the chiropractic disciplinary board.

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 3, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Deccio, Johnson, Tanner.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  March 4, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, MARCH 3, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In Washington, chiropractic is defined as the activities preparatory to, complementary to, and including the manipulation of the human spinal structure.  It includes x-ray diagnostic procedures and the giving of dietary advice.  Regulation of the state's 1,530 licensed chiropractors is controlled by two separate boards.  Only one, the Chiropractic Disciplinary Board, is subject to sunset review under the provisions of Chapter 43.131 RCW.

The Chiropractic Disciplinary Board investigates complaints, holds hearings and orders license suspensions and revocations as it deems appropriate.  The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners accredits schools, establishes licensing standards, administers the licensing examination and specifics continuing education requirements.

In 1986 the Legislative Budget Committee (LBC) performed a sunset review of the Chiropractic Disciplinary Board.  In the report, the LBC recommended that licensure of chiropractors should continue as currently defined in statute.  The report also recommended that the Legislature should consider merging the Chiropractic Disciplinary Board and the Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

SUMMARY:

The sunset of the Chiropractic Disciplinary Board is repealed.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Greg Hanon, CFRC; Gerard Clumm, Life Chiropractic College-West; David Butters, Chiropracters Political Action; Bob Jacobs, LBC; Jim Boldt, Washington Chiropractors Association