SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5176

BYSenators West, Conner, Patterson, Owen, Barr, Sellar, Benitz, Anderson and Kreidler

Allowing cross-credentialing of rural health professionals.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1989; February 2, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, Niemi.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 23, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 22, 1989

BACKGROUND:

There is currently a shortage of trained health professionals in radiology, respiratory therapy, pharmacy and laboratory technology in some rural areas of the state.  In addition, rural hospitals and clinics are often unable to provide these services in-house because low patient volumes make the cost prohibitive.

The Washington Rural Health Care Commission was formed by the Legislature to identify issues and problems associated with the delivery of health care in rural areas.  The commission determined that there was a need in rural areas for individuals trained with some limited level of skill from two or more of these professions.  The current credentialing laws do not allow for limited cross-credentialing of health professionals.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Licensing, in consultation with the State Board of Pharmacy, the State Health Coordinating Council (SHCC), the Higher Education Coordinating Board, representatives of rural health care providers and others, is directed to investigate the feasibility of the use of limited cross-credentialed health professionals in rural areas of the state.

The department will investigate the need, public safety implications and training and experience requirements of developing a program of cross-credentialing of individuals with multiple skills for practice in rural areas.  A report of its findings and recommendations shall be submitted to the State Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) by June 1, 1990.  The SHCC shall make recommendations on the need for changes in current state credentialing laws to the standing House and Senate health care committees by December 1, 1990.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 18, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Dr. John Anderson, WRHA (pro); Dr. Stephen Kriebel, WSMH, WHFP (pro); Jeff Mero, Washington State Hospital Association (pro); Verne Gibbs, DSHS (pro); Eldon Jacobsen, SHCC (pro); Tom Martin, Lincoln Hospital District (pro)