FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5481

                              C 119 L 89

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.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

House Committe on Health Care

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

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 is 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 surcharge on the physician licensure fee.

SUMMARY:

The impaired physician program is expanded to include prevention and educational services in addition to treatment.  The definition "impaired" is expanded to include other debilitating conditions.  The surcharge fee is increased to $25 per license.

Appropriation:  $270,000 from the health professions account to the Department of Licensing

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   46    0

     House 97  0 (House amended)

     Senate   44    0 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:April 20, 1989