SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5614

BYSenators 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)

                  February 16, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 16, 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 and the Veterinary Board of Governors are authorized to contract with a substance abuse monitoring program.  The program may include contracting with treatment programs, monitoring treatment and rehabilitation, providing post treatment monitoring, providing preventive services and supporting rehabilitated license holders.  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.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Education is added to the list of activities the boards may have in the impaired program.

General authorizing language is included to allow all the regulated health professionals to enter into a contract with a voluntary substance abuse program.  An emergency clause is added.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    yes

Fiscal Note:      requested January 30, 1989

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