SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 7

BYHouse Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Wang and Patrick)

Modifying provisions relating to regulation of professions.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 27, 1987; April 2, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Warnke, Chairman; Smitherman, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Cantu, Sellar, Tanner, Vognild, West, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Jack Brummel (786-7428)

                  April 2, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR, APRIL 2, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Recent debate has occurred regarding the utility of occupational regulation.  One view is that regulation may not be necessary to protect the public but instead creates unnecessary barriers to entry into a profession and raises costs to the consumer.

In 1983 Washington established a sunrise review process for health professions.  The legislative intent was that regulation be imposed only for the purpose of protecting the public interest.  Upon request by the appropriate legislative committee, any interest group seeking regulation of a health profession not presently regulated, or which proposes to substantially increase the scope of practice of a profession currently regulated must justify its proposal by addressing statutory criteria. The interest groups must submit the information to the State Health Coordinating Council, which then makes recommendations to the Legislature.

SUMMARY:

The sunrise review process is expanded to apply to business professions.  Review of the business profession proposals is performed by the Department of Licensing.  The Legislature intends that the Department's policy and research staff perform impartial reviews and make recommendations.

The review process is modified for currently regulated professions.  Proposals to increase the level of regulation as well as proposals to increase the scope of practice are subject to the review process.  Proposals relating solely to continuing education are excluded.

Appropriation:    $84,372 to the Department of Licensing.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: No one