SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5614

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

Monitoring a substance abuse program for dentists.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

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

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5614 be substituted therefor, and the substitute do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  April 7, 1989

House Committe on Health Care

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 6, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Current statutes (RCW 18.130.175) authorize the health professional disciplining authorities to refer license holders suspected of substance abuse to substance abuse monitoring programs in lieu of disciplinary action.  The disciplining authority approve eligible monitoring programs and establish other requirements related to participation.  The cost of substance abuse treatment is the responsibility of the license holder.  The Medical Disciplinary Board is currently authorized to contract with a substance abuse monitoring program to refer its license holders and may assess a surcharge to license fees to support the program.

SUMMARY:

The Dental Disciplinary Board, the Veterinary Board of Governors and other health professionals are authorized to contract with a substance abuse monitoring program.  The program may include treatment, rehabilitation, post treatment monitoring, education, and preventive services.  The dental board is authorized to assess a surcharge of up to $15 on each license or renewal to support the program.  The veterinary board is authorized to assess a surcharge of up to $25 on each licensee or renewal to support the program.  Other participating health professions may have a surcharge assessed to their license fees to support the program.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      available

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

Senate Committee - Testified: FOR:  Richard Irons, M.D., Washington Monitored Treatment Program; Greg Hanon, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association; Joe Gatzka, AARP; Linda Christophersen, Washington State Dental Association

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

An appropriation of $310,560 is made from the health professions account to the Department of Licensing to cover the costs of the dental and veterinarian programs.