SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5481

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 8, 1989; February 16, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5481 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Kreidler, Niemi.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  April 6, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 2, 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 definition "impaired" is expanded to include other debilitating conditions.  The surcharge fee is increased to $25.00 per license.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:   

Fiscal Note:      requested January 26, 1989

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

Senate Committee - Testified: Richard Irons, M.D., Washington Monitored Treatment Program (pro); Mike Ryherd, WSMA (pro)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

An appropriation of $270,000 is made from the health professions account to the Department of Licensing to support the program.