House of Representatives

SB 1306

BOMEX; disciplinary action; reciprocity

Sponsors: Senators Gerard, Bowers Representative Knaperak

DPA	Committee on Health
DP	Caucus and COW
X	As Passed the House

SB 1306 requires the Board of Medical Examiners to deny licenses, initiate investigations and suspend licenses of physicians based on actions taken by medical regulatory boards in other jurisdictions.

History

The Board of Medical Examiners can only deny a medical license to an applicant who has received a previous disciplinary action relating to the ability to competently and safely practice medicine. Furthermore, BOMEX does not have the authority to deny an applicant a license based on a pending investigation in another jurisdiction. It is up to the discretion of BOMEX as to whether it is necessary to take emergency action and begin investigation against a licensee who has lost a license due to revocation.

SB 1306 broadens the authority of BOMEX to deny a license and initiate investigations based on pending investigations and actions taken in another jurisdiction.

Provisions

· Stipulates that BOMEX shall not issue a license to practice medicine to an applicant who has been denied a license, has a pending investigation or has received a serious disciplinary action in another jurisdiction.

· Requires BOMEX to initiate an investigation based on a disciplinary action in another jurisdiction. In addition, if a physician has lost a license in another jurisdiction due to revocation or other action, BOMEX is required to immediately suspend the physician’s license to practice medicine and begin proceedings for the same action taken.

SB 1306 was amended in the Health Committee as follows:

· Removes refused, suspended or restricted from the list of items for automatic denial of a medical license. Requires that BOMEX deny a license to an applicant that is currently under suspension or restriction.

· Allows the Board to suspend the license application process when the applicant is under investigation in another jurisdiction. Once the investigation is completed, a license may be issued pending review. License denials are considered a disciplinary action.

· Requires the Board to investigate previous disciplinary actions in another jurisdictions before issuing a license.

· Allows license applicants to submit a completed application instead of a notarized one. This will enable BOMEX to use online applications.

The Health Committee amendment was adopted in the Committee of the Whole.

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45th Legislature

First Regular Session 2 March 27, 2001

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