FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5071

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 and marriage and family therapists online access to the University of Washington health sciences library.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development (originally sponsored by Senators Murray, Pflug, Keiser, Conway, Kline, Parlette and Roach).

Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

Background: The license fees for physicians, physician assistants, osteopathic physicians, osteopathic physician assistants, naturopaths, podiatrists, chiropractors, psychologists, registered nurses, optometrists, mental health counselors, massage therapists, clinical social workers, and East Asian medicine practitioners include up to a $25 fee that is transferred to the University of Washington. The fee is used to fund online access to selected vital clinical resources, medical journals, decision support tools, and evidence-based reviews to these health care professionals. There are currently 109 licensed midwives who pay an annual licensing fee of $500.

Summary: As part of their licensing fees, midwives and marriage and family therapists must pay an additional annual fee of up to $25 to fund online access to the University of Washington Health Services Library.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	46	2
House	92	0