Health provider misconduct bill signed by Inslee

Published 1:30 am Monday, April 22, 2019

Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law April 19 a bill requiring patients to be notified of sexual misconduct sanctions against their health care provider.

House Bill 1198, written and sponsored by state Rep. Michelle Caldier, R-Port Orchard, states that a provider sanctioned by a disciplinary authority for unprofessional actions involving sexual misconduct must provide a disclosure to any patient scheduled for an appointment.

According to the bill’s language, the patient or the patient’s surrogate decision-maker must sign the disclosure and a copy must be maintained in the patient’s file.

“This is all about protecting the patient and providing full disclosure,” Caldier, 26th Legislative District Republican, said.

“Patients put their trust in the hands of their providers. Right now, it is very difficult to determine if a provider has engaged in acts of sexual misconduct. This bill requires that disclosure so the patient can make an informed decision about receiving care from that provider.”

The bill takes effect Oct. 1.