Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1176
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Providing licensed midwives online access to health care resources through the University of Washington health sciences library.
Sponsors: Representatives Green, Harris, Cody, Hinkle, Appleton, Roberts, Kenney and Kagi.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/26/11
Staff: Chris Cordes (786-7103).
Background:
By law, the Department of Health (DOH) must charge fees to professionals licensed by the DOH. The fees must be based on the cost to the agency for the licensure of the activity or class of activities.
In 2007 a fee surcharge of up to $25 was added to license fees for certain health professionals to pay for online access to selected clinical resources through the University of Washington Health Sciences Library. Beginning January 1, 2009, these licensees were given access to vital clinical resources, medical journals, decision-support tools, and evidence-based reviews of procedures, drugs, and devices.
This online access fee surcharge is charged to the license fee of physicians and osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, naturopaths, podiatrists, chiropractors, psychologists, registered nurses, optometrists, mental health counselors, clinical social workers, massage therapists, and East Asian medicine practitioners.
Summary of Bill:
Midwives are added to the list of health professionals whose license fee is increased by up to $25 for online access to selected clinical resources at the University of Washington Health Sciences Library.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.