WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1190

Allowing additional health professions to access the University of Washington health sciences library.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Barkis and 5 co-sponsors

HB 1190 expands University of Washington health sciences library access to additional health professions, effective July 27, 2025.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1190

Legislative bill overview

HB 1190 expands access to the University of Washington's health sciences library beyond its traditional user base to include additional health professions. The bill was signed into law on April 7, 2025, and becomes effective July 27, 2025. This allows more healthcare practitioners and students to use the library's specialized collections and resources.

Why is this important

The UW health sciences library serves as a critical knowledge repository for medical research, clinical evidence, and professional development. Expanding access democratizes information that can improve patient care quality and support evidence-based practice across a broader range of health professions. This particularly benefits practitioners in underserved or less-traditionally-represented health fields who previously lacked institutional access to premium medical databases and journals.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource strain: Expanded access may increase demand on library staff, facilities, and digital resource licenses, potentially requiring budget increases to maintain service quality
  • Definitional ambiguity: Clarity may be needed on which "additional health professions" qualify for access and whether criteria are consistently applied across different credential types
  • Equity concerns: If certain professions are excluded, this could raise questions about whether access decisions are based on evidence-based reasoning or professional hierarchies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.