SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6258
As of January 28, 2026
Title: An act relating to creating a nondisciplinary pathway for relinquishing licenses issued by the Washington medical commission.
Brief Description: Creating a nondisciplinary pathway for relinquishing licenses issued by the Washington medical commission.
Sponsors: Senators Muzzall, Nobles and Shewmake; by request of Washington State Medical Commission.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 1/29/26.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Provides the Washington State Medical Commission (commission) rulemaking authority to create a non-disciplinary pathway for a voluntary relinquishment of licenses issued by the commission.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE
Staff: Julie Tran (786-7283)
Background:

The Washington State Medical Commission (commission) regulates the competency and quality of professional health care providers under the commission's jurisdiction. The commission establishes, monitors, and enforces qualifications for licensure, consistent practice standards, continuing competency, and discipline.

 

The commission issues licenses for physicians (MD), physician assistants (PA), certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAA), and offers limited licenses for international medical graduates. They are responsible for licensing and disciplining these specific providers to ensure compliance with state standards. The commission currently regulates about 34,000 licenses.
Summary of Bill:

The commission is authorized to conduct rulemaking for all licenses issued by the commission to allow for the voluntary relinquishment of the license. This includes licenses for MDs, PAs, and CAAs as well as licenses issued under the interstate medical licensure compact and the physician assistant licensure compact.

 

Under these relinquishment rules, the license cannot be relinquished in lieu of discipline or if the licensee is subject to discipline or under investigation by the commission. The relinquishment is not an adverse action and as such is not reportable to any disciplinary database, the national practitioner data bank, or other websites.

 

Licensees who request this relinquishment process agree to the permanent relinquishment of the property right and shall have no right to reinstatement or renewal.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 20, 2026.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.