Brief Description: Requiring a plan to encourage medical students to work with patients with developmental disabilities.

Sponsors: Representatives Williams, Roach, O'Brien, Hurst, Ormsby, Chase and Simpson.

Hearing Date: 2/12/07

Staff: Andrew Colvin (786-7304).

Background:

The University of Washington School of Medicine provides publicly supported medical education to students studying and training to become medical doctors. The School of Medicine is responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of its curriculum. Accreditation of the school's educational program falls under the authority of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which the United States Department of Education recognizes as being responsible for the accreditation of programs of medical education in the United States and Canada leading to the M.D. degree.

Some research has suggested that people with developmental disabilities have greater difficulty accessing health care that meets their unique needs. For example, a 2005 report by Special Olympics, Inc. concluded that physicians, dentists, and other health professionals do not receive adequate training to treat individuals with intellectual disabilities. Within the last few years, reports from the Surgeon General of the United States have also found a need to increase training among health care professionals to address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.

Summary of Bill:

The University of Washington School of Medicine is directed to develop a plan to train students to work with patients with developmental disabilities. As part of the plan, the medical school must include incentives to encourage students to participate in the training. The medical school must submit the plan, including costs, to the Legislature by November 30, 2007.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 9, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.