FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2432

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.

C 42 L 16

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning substance abuse monitoring for licensed veterinarians, osteopathic physicians and surgeons, and osteopathic physician assistants.

Sponsors: Representatives Riccelli, Harris, Cody, Caldier and Tarleton.

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Health Care

Background:

A disciplining authority may refer a licensee to a substance abuse monitoring program in lieu of formal discipline if the disciplining authority determines that unprofessional conduct is the product of substance abuse. The licensee must consent to the referral. The referral may include probationary conditions. If the licensee does not consent to the referral or fails to meet the requirements of the program, the disciplining authority may take formal disciplinary action against the licensee.

The disciplining authorities for some health professions are directed by statute to enter into a contract with a voluntary substance abuse monitoring program. For example, the Veterinary Board of Governors must enter into a contract with an entity that may include any or all of the following:

The disciplining authorities for other health professions establish their programs through administrative rule. For example, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (BOMS) adopted a rule that requires the BOMS to enter into a contract with an approved substance abuse monitoring program. The BOMS rule imposes requirements on the program, including requiring the program to:

The costs of treatment are the responsibility of the participating licensee. The disciplining authorities for prescribers impose a surcharge on licensees to pay for staff at the monitoring program, who act as case managers and provide information to licensees on treatment options. The surcharge for veterinarians is $10. The surcharge for osteopathic physicians and osteopathic physician assistants is $25.

Summary:

The requirement for the BOMS to contract with a substance abuse monitoring program is placed in statute. The BOMS must enter into a contract with an entity that may include any or all of the following:

The surcharge imposed on certain practitioners is increased as follows:

Votes on Final Passage:

House

94

2

Senate

46

2

Effective:

June 9, 2016