Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

SB 6143

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.

Background:

The Podiatric Medical Board.

A podiatric physician and surgeon is a licensed health professional who diagnoses and treats ailments of the human foot. The disciplining authority for podiatric physicians and surgeons is the Podiatric Medical Board, which consists of the following five members appointed by the Governor:

one consumer member whose occupation does not include the administration of health activities or the provision of health services and has no financial interest in providing health care services; and
four members who are podiatric physicians and surgeons and who practiced for at least five consecutive years prior to the appointment.

Compensation of Part-Time Board Members.

Members of part-time boards and commissions may receive compensation for their work. The amount of compensation depends on which class the board or commission is in. For example, boards that provide licensing functions for a profession are designated as class three, which means their members are compensated $50 per day. Commissions that regulate health professions are designated as class five, which means their members are compensated $250 per day.

Summary of Bill:

One consumer member and one podiatric physician and surgeon member are added to the Podiatric Medical Board (Board). The consumer members of the Board are prohibited from having a fiduciary relationship to a health care delivery system.

The Board is designated a class five group for purposes of compensation.