HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5480
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. |
As Passed House:
April 11, 2011
Title: An act relating to physician and physician assistants license renewal requirements.
Brief Description: Concerning submission of certain information by physicians and physician assistants at the time of license renewal.
Sponsors: Senators Conway and Keiser.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 3/9/11, 3/21/11 [DP];
Health & Human Services Appropriations & Oversight: 3/28/11 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 4/11/11, 91-5.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Jinkins, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Hinkle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Clibborn, Green, Harris, Kelley, Moeller and Van De Wege.
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS & OVERSIGHT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Dickerson, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Johnson, Ranking Minority Member; Schmick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Cody, Green, Harris, Kagi, Pettigrew and Walsh.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Overstreet.
Staff: Amy Skei (786-7109).
Background:
The Medical Quality Assurance Commission (MQAC) licenses, establishes professional standards for, and disciplines physicians and physician assistants. Both physicians and physician assistants must renew their licenses every two years on forms approved by the MQAC. Neither physicians nor physician assistants are licensed by specialty and the MQAC does not currently collect information on the nature of their practices.
Summary of Bill:
The MQAC must request physicians and physician assistants to submit information about their current professional practice at the time of license renewal. This information may include practice setting, medical specialty, board certification, or other relevant data determined by the MQAC.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Health Care & Wellness):
(In support) This bill is critically important to help the state plan for its future medical needs. Currently there is no way to tell how many physicians are actually practicing, where they are practicing, their specialties, or whether they are practicing out-of-state. This bill will help the state collect this information in a timely manner. The bill fits nicely with the idea of a medical home and will help planning efforts related to the implementation of federal health care reform.
(Opposed) None.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Health & Human Services Appropriations & Oversight):
(In support) None.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying (Health Care & Wellness): Senator Conway, prime sponsor; Lisa Thatcher, Washington State Hospital Association; Leslie Burger, Medical Quality Assurance Commission; and Carl Nelson, Washington State Medical Association.
Persons Testifying (Health & Human Services Appropriations & Oversight): None.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (Health Care & Wellness): None.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (Health & Human Services Appropriations & Oversight): None.