July 17, 2013
ALTSA: ICF/IID #2013-003
2013 LEGISLATION: HB 1003
Dear ICF/IID Administrator/Superintendent:
The purpose of this letter is to let you know about House Bill (HB) 1003 that the Governor recently signed into law. This bill allows a Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) finding against an individual to serve as the basis for a disciplinary action against the same individual's health profession license.
Highlights of the newly passed law:
- The law becomes effective January 1, 2014.
- The Department of Health (DOH) must summarily suspend the license of a health care professional against whom DSHS has issued a final finding of abuse, abandonment, neglect, or financial exploitation.
- DSHS must notify DOH of these final findings. A process is already in place for this to occur and DSHS has been in contact with DOH regarding implementation.
- Health care providers are prohibited from practicing their profession until the DOH or the appropriate health professions board or commission has completed its disciplinary proceedings.
- To read the details of the newly passed legislation in its entirety online, visit: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2013-14/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1003.SL.pdf
If you have any questions, please contact Robert McClintock, Quality Assurance Administrator.
Sincerely,
E. Irene Owens, Interim Director
Residential Care Services