SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5829

               As Passed Senate, March 12, 1999

Title:  An act relating to professional services.

Brief Description:  Allowing providers of occupational therapy and physical therapy to become shareholders in a professional services corporation.

Sponsors:  Senators Thibaudeau and Loveland.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  2/22/99, 3/3/99 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/12/99, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Costa, Deccio, Franklin, Johnson and Winsley.

Staff:  Christopher Blake (786-7446)

Background:  Twenty-one different health care professions are currently authorized to establish professional service corporations or professional limited liability corporations.  These companies are composed of individuals who are licensed to perform the same professional services.  These corporations may not engage in any business activities other than the professional service for which it has been organized.

Summary of Bill:  Occupational therapists and physical therapists may own stock in and perform services for a professional services corporation or professional limited liability corporation within their respective fields.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 18, 1999.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill will allow occupational therapists and physical therapists to open their own professional services corporations and limited liability corporations as other professions are allowed to do.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Melissa Johnson, Washington State Physical Therapy Association (pro).