The Senate Health Care Committee and House Health Care & Wellness Committee had hearings this week on legislation to create an interstate physician licensure compact (HB 1337 and SB 5221). The compact would allow physicians to more efficiently become licensed to practice in multiple states. It would also allow Washington State to maintain local control and accountability of physicians’ licensure and disciplinary actions.
Its benefit is substantial in a state with major border communities, such as Washington. Recruitment of qualified physicians takes place in an increasingly national market, so the ability to work on both sides of a state border is very attractive. In addition, the continued development of services delivered through telemedicine makes this legislation important. The compact will help providers working to meet increased demand for outpatient services. Click here read more about this issue, and click here to read this week’s full edition of WSHA’s state legislative issues newsletter, Inside Olympia. (Chelene Whiteaker)
