Health care providers are licensed and regulated by the relevant disciplining authority for each health care profession. Under the Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA), disciplining authorities have the authority to investigate all complaints or reports of unprofessional conduct. Upon a finding, after a hearing, that a license holder has committed unprofessional conduct, the disciplining authority is required to issue an order including appropriate sanctions.
Disciplining authorities may deny an application for licensure or grant a licensure with conditions under certain circumstances, including if the applicant has had their license to practice any health care profession suspended, revoked, or restricted in any jurisdiction or if the applicant has committed an act defined as unprofessional conduct under the UDA.
Among other acts and conditions, unprofessional conduct is defined under the UDA to include:
The following do not constitute unprofessional conduct under the UDA:
The following, with some exceptions, may not serve as the basis for a denial of licensure or other professional discipline under the UDA:
The provision of, or other participation in, any reproductive health care services or gender-affirming treatment consistent with the standard of care in Washington by a health care provider may not serve as the basis for a denial of licensure or other professional discipline under the UDA.
PRO: This bill is a simple correction to ESHB 1340 bill to clear up any confusion. This bill ensures providers can provide comprehensive care without fear of repercussions.
CON: Washington should not be allowed to ignore discipline against a provider license in another state. Provides should lose their license if they lie to patients by telling them they can change their gender or for killing a human through an abortion.