BILL REQ. #:  H-0955.1 

Read first time 01/27/2005.   Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

     AN ACT Relating to special immunities; and amending RCW 4.24.260.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 4.24.260 and 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 701 are each amended to read as follows:
     ((Physicians licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW, dentists licensed under chapter 18.32 RCW, and pharmacists licensed under chapter 18.64 RCW)) Any member of a health profession listed under RCW 18.130.040 who, in good faith, makes a report, files charges, or presents evidence against another member of ((their)) a health profession based on the claimed ((incompetency or gross misconduct)) unprofessional conduct as provided in RCW 18.130.180 or inability to practice with reasonable skill and safety to consumers by reason of any physical or mental condition as provided in RCW 18.130.170 of such person before the ((medical quality assurance commission established under chapter 18.71 RCW, in a proceeding under chapter 18.32 RCW, or to the board of pharmacy under RCW 18.64.160)) agency, board, or commission responsible for disciplinary activities for the person's profession under chapter 18.130 RCW, shall be immune from civil action for damages arising out of such activities. A person prevailing upon the good faith defense provided for in this section is entitled to recover expenses and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in establishing the defense.