House Bill 1073 would do several things, including extend the expiration of a medical assistant-certified interim permit to the issuance of a medical assistant-certified certification
A bipartisan bill from Rep. Paul Harris that would help increase access to certain medical care and procedures is one step closer to becoming law after a unanimous “yes” vote from the Washington State House of Representatives Wednesday.
House Bill 1073 would do several things, including extend the expiration of a medical assistant-certified interim permit to the issuance of a medical assistant-certified certification.
It would also allow an individual who has applied for a medical assistant-phlebotomist credential, and has completed the training program, to work under the level of supervision required for the training program, up to 180 days after filing their application.
“This bill would help reduce discrepancies in supervision and licensing requirements between Washington and Oregon and help improve access to medical care,” said Harris, R-Vancouver. “Medicine today involves so many different professionals and practitioners, and they all need to be able to operate at the highest level.”
HB 1073 would also allow a medical assistant-certified to establish intravenous lines under the supervision of a health care practitioner if certain minimum standards are met.
Furthermore, it would authorize a medical assistant-registered to prepare patients for, and assist with, examinations, procedures, treatments, and minor office surgeries that use minimal sedation.
“This bill addresses our state’s workforce shortage. It would make more people available to do important jobs, like drawing blood, administering intravenous injections, and giving medications,” added Harris. “It would allow physician assistants to complete certain tasks without direct visual supervision, which is a more efficient way to operate.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
Information provided by Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov
Also read:
- Camas girls basketball: Defending champions look to learn from mistakes with a tough scheduleCamas girls basketball faces growing pains as they aim to defend their state championship with a young, talented team.
- Clark County Today Sports Podcast, Dec 19, 2024: Discussing the protocol on voting for WIAA amendments, plus a look at some of the amendments that will be voted on in 2025Clark County Today Sports Podcast reviews Camas and Seton Catholic football, WIAA amendments, and winter sports.
- Biden Energy Dept. deals another blow to natural gas supportersThe Department of Energy’s new rules and a report on LNG exports have sparked debates among natural gas supporters and environmental advocates.
- Opinion: Courts blocking the Kroger-Albertson merger won’t stop consumers from making choicesPaul Guppy of Washington Policy Center critiques judicial rulings that block the Kroger-Albertsons merger, citing changing consumer trends and potential job losses.
- Pac Coast Wrestling to return to Clark County Event Center Dec. 27-28The Pac Coast Wrestling Championships, featuring over 100 teams, return to the Clark County Event Center Dec. 27-28 for two days of thrilling competition.
- Mountain View now runs Clark County’s high school basketball holiday tournamentThe Mountain View Holiday Invite will host eight boys basketball teams, including five from Clark County, from Dec. 26-28 in a showcase of local talent.
- GoFundMe spotlight: Fundraiser for four injured in food truck explosionA fundraiser has been launched to support four individuals injured in the 4 Caminos food truck explosion in Vancouver, Washington.