HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1184
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to increasing the health professions participating in online access to the University of Washington health sciences library.
Brief Description: Allowing licensed marriage and family therapist associates access to the University of Washington health sciences library.
Sponsors: Representatives Cody and Harris.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/27/15, 1/30/15 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 14 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Riccelli, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Harris, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Clibborn, DeBolt, Jinkins, Johnson, Moeller, Robinson, Rodne, Short and Tharinger.
Staff: Robin Hammond (786-7291) and Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
Marriage and Family Therapist Associates.
A marriage and family therapist associate (MFTA) provides services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating mental and emotional disorders. A licensed MFTA must have a graduate degree in a mental health field, work under the supervision of an approved supervisor, and declare he or she is working toward full licensure as a marriage and family therapist.
Independent Clinical Social Worker Associates.
An independent clinical social worker diagnoses and treats emotional and mental disorders based on knowledge of human development, the causation and treatment of psychopathology, psychotherapeutic treatment practices, and social work practices. A licensed associate must have a graduate degree in a mental health field, work under the supervision of an approved supervisor, and declare he or she is working toward full licensure.
Health Evidence Resource of Washington State.
The Health Evidence Resource of Washington State (HEAL-WA) is an online health information portal that contains evidence-based information to support patient care decisions. Clinical resources include full-text journals, electronic textbooks, medical databases, practice guides, and diagnostic tools.
The Department of Health (DOH) must charge fees to professionals licensed by the DOH. These fees are based on the cost to the DOH for the licensure of the activity or class of activities. License fees may include up to an additional $25 for professions with access to the HEAL-WA. Individuals who are not members of one of the professions listed in statute may not have access to the HEAL-WA.
In 2007 the University of Washington Health Sciences Library created the HEAL-WA in response to legislative mandate. It was originally available to 14 health professions, and presently 22 health professions have access. Health professions that currently have access to the HEAL-WA are: physicians, physician assistants, osteopathic physicians, osteopathic physicians' assistants, naturopaths, podiatrists, chiropractors, psychologists, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, optometrists, mental health counselors, massage therapists, clinical social workers, midwives, licensed marriage and family therapists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, dietitians, nutritionists, speech-language pathologists, and East Asian medicine practitioners. As of November 2013, 151,140 licensed healthcare providers were eligible for the HEAL-WA and 20,632 licensed healthcare providers were registered with the HEAL-WA.
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Summary of Substitute Bill:
Marriage and family therapist associates and independent clinical social worker associates are added to the list of health care professionals who can have online access to selected clinical resources at the University of Washington Health Sciences Library. A maximum $25 per year is added to the licensing fees for all marriage and family therapy associates and independent clinical social worker associates.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill clarifies social worker titles and adds independent clinical social worker associates to the list of health care professionals who can have online access to selected clinical resources at the University of Washington Health Sciences Library and pay an additional licensing fee.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect on August 1, 2015.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Expanding access to Marriage and Family Therapy Associates (MFTAs) would not require additional resources from the University of Washington Health Sciences Library. This bill would be beneficial by providing access to thousands of MFTAs. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists were surprised to learn associates were not previously included. The Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy surveyed MFTAs and 87 percent were in favor of the additional license fees.
Clinical social workers currently have access and would like clinical social worker associates added to the bill.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Cody, prime sponsor; Gail Kouame, University of Washington Health Sciences Library; Mary Clogston, Clinical Social Workers; and Michele Bourque, Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.