SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6272

BYSenators West, Johnson and Smith

Providing for discipline of assistants of health care professionals.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 17, 1990; January 24, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 13, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Uniform Disciplinary Act (Chapter 18.130 RCW) regulates the unprofessional conduct and unsafe practice of health professionals regulated by the state.  Some of the health professionals are permitted in statute or through board rule to employ or use unlicensed assistants to practice under supervision or direction of a licensed person of that profession.  These assistants are not subject to the provisions of the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

SUMMARY:

The Uniform Disciplinary Act is amended to require that unlicensed assistants be subject to the provisions of the act.  Unlicensed assistants include anyone granted a right to practice a profession by statute, authorization or board rule.  The disciplinary authority for unlicensed assistants is the same as for the profession which authorizes their practice.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 17, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified: Chris Rose, Department of Health; Len Eddinger, WSMA (pro)