FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 563
C 150 L 87
BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representative Braddock)
Revising provisions relating to the uniform disciplinary act.
House Committe on Health Care
Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections
SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED
BACKGROUND:
The Uniform Disciplinary Act provides uniform procedures and conduct provisions for the regulated health professions. Psychologists, nursing home administrators and hearing aid dealers are not covered under the act.
The Uniform Disciplinary Act does not govern practice by unlicensed persons and businesses. The disciplinary authorities of some health professions may not pursue the act's remedies and sanctions against unlicensed practice.
No recognized format exists for credentialing new health professions seeking registration, certification or licensure.
SUMMARY:
The Council on Hearing Aids, the Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators and the Examining Board of Psychology, the respective disciplinary authorities for hearing aid dealers, nursing home administrators and psychologists, are governed by the procedures and unprofessional conduct provisions of the Uniform Disciplinary Act. Existing statutory regulation of these professions in conflict with the Uniform Disciplinary Act is repealed.
Unauthorized practice of persons or businesses is governed by the procedures and sanctions provided in the Uniform Disciplinary Act for the regulated professions of acupuncture, podiatry, chiropractics, dental hygiene, dentistry, dispensing opticians, hearing aids, drugless healing, embalming and funeral directors, midwifery, ocularists, osteopathy, occupational therapy, medicine and physician assistants, physical therapy, practical nursing, psychology, registered nursing, veterinary medicine and massage therapy.
A number of housekeeping changes are made to the Uniform Disciplinary Act. Members of disciplining boards, but not private consultants, are authorized to direct investigations of complaints. Board members may delegate the authority to sign subpoenas and statements of charges. The director of the Department of Licensing may appoint up to three pro tempore members as members of an investigation committee upon the request of a board. The department may conduct investigations and practice reviews at the direction of a board. Fines may be enforced in superior court. Violations of injunctions are punishable by a maximum civil penalty of $25,000.
Uniform administrative provisions are provided for administering the regulatory programs of new health professions registered, certified or licensed after the effective date of the act. General powers and duties are specified, including adoption of rules, setting self-supporting fees, establishing forms and procedures, hiring staff, administering examinations, and registering, certifying or licensing applicants. Professional advisory committees may be appointed by the director to assist with these responsibilities.
The State Health Coordinating Council is required to make recommendations assessing the social and financial impacts of any proposal for a mandated health insurance coverage if requested by legislative committees.
VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:
House 95 0
Senate 41 7
EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987