SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 767

BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Niemi and P. King) 

Regulating respiratory care practitioners.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 24, 1987; March 25, 1987; April 1, 1987; April 2, 1987

Majority Report:     Do pass as amended.

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

Senate Staff:Jean Meyn (786-7472)

                April 3, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, APRIL 2, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The practice of respiratory care is not currently regulated by the state.  Respiratory care involves the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, rehabilitation and care, under direct medical supervision, of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities which affect the cardiopulmonary system.

SUMMARY:

Persons practicing respiratory care must be certified in order to adopt or use any title or description as a respiratory care practitioner.  No employer may hire a person practicing respiratory care unless the practitioner is certified.  Exemptions are provided for practitioners licensed under other laws, United States government employees, students enrolled in an approved education program, and nurses using the title "respiratory care practitioner".  Respiratory care practitioners must practice under the direct orders of a licensed physician.

The Director of the Department of Licensing, in consultation with an advisory board, may adopt rules, set fees, establish forms, issue certificates, hire staff, approve schools and training programs, administer examinations and act as the disciplinary authority under the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

Persons may be certified without state examination if the Director determines that the person meets commonly accepted standards of education and experience for the profession and has passed an approved examination by a professional organization.  The Director must establish procedures for the renewal of certificates.

Appropriation:  $74,000 for biennium from health professions account to Department of Licensing

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Rural hospitals are exempt from the requirement to hire certified respiratory care practitioners.

The appropriation is changed to match the fiscal note of $161,845.

Fiscal Note:    available

Senate Committee - Testified:   Ellan Nelson and Jerry Luedke, Washington State Society for Respiratory Care