HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5481

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Health Care & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators West, Wojahn, Sellar and Vognild)

Including education and prevention services in the impaired physician program.

House Committe on Health Care

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Braddock, Chair; Day, Vice Chair; Brooks, Ranking Republican Member; Cantwell, Chandler, Morris, Prentice, Sommers, Sprenkle, Vekich and Wolfe.

House Staff:John Welsh (786-7133)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 6, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The impaired physician program was passed by the Legislature in 1987. The program was established to provide treatment for physicians with alcohol, drug abuse and mental illness problems.  The Medical Disciplinary Board was directed to contract with a committee to provide treatment, evaluate and verify suspected impaired physicians and provide post-treatment monitoring and support of impaired physicians.  The program is financially supported through a $15.00 surcharge on the physician licensure fee.

SUMMARY:

The impaired physician program is expanded to include prevention and educational services in addition to treatment. 

The scope of the program is expanded to include other debilitating conditions.  The surcharge fee is increased to $25.00 per license.

Appropriation:    $270,000 from the Health Professions Account to the Department of Licensing.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Mike Ryherd; Washington State Medical Association.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The current surcharge is insufficient to cover the costs of the program.  The program authority should include prevention of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as treatment.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.