SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5000
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 Senate Committee On:
Health & Long Term Care, January 21, 2019
Title: An act relating to online access to health care resources for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Brief Description: Concerning online access to health care resources for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Sponsors: Senators Palumbo, Rivers, Cleveland, Conway, Saldaña and Kuderer.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 1/21/19, 1/21/19 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Cleveland, Chair; Randall, Vice Chair; O'Ban, Ranking Member; Bailey, Becker, Conway, Dhingra, Frockt, Keiser and Van De Wege.
Staff: Greg Attanasio (786-7410)
Background: In 2007, the University of Washington Health Sciences Library created the Health Evidence Resource for Washington (HEAL-WA) in response to a legislative mandate. HEAL-WA is an online health information database that contains evidence based information providing health care professionals with resources and support when making patient care decisions. HEAL-WA contains clinical resources, full-text medical journals, decision support tools, and evidence based reviews of procedures, drugs, and devices. Physicians, nurses, social workers, midwives, mental health professionals, and other licensed health care professionals have access to HEAL-WA. The professionals who have access to HEAL-WA are charged an additional licensing fee of up to $25, which is transferred to the University of Washington to fund the database.
Summary of Bill: Veterinarians and veterinary technicians may access HEAL-WA. The Department of Health must increase the licensing fee for veterinarians and veterinary technicians by up to $25 for access.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Expanding the service to veterinarians and veterinary technicians will give these professionals access to information they need to stay up to date on relevant topics for their work. A majority of veterinarians support the change.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Tania Bardyn, Associate Dean and Director, University of Washington, Health Sciences Library and Director, HEALWA; Greg Hanon, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.