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Bill

SB 5822

Increasing the licensure fees that support the Washington physicians health program.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Cleveland and 2 co-sponsors

SB 5822 raises physician licensure fees in Washington to increase funding for the state's Physicians Health Program, which provides confidential treatment and monitoring for impaired healthcare providers.

First reading, referred to Health & Long Term Care.
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Bill Summary · SB 5822

Legislative bill overview

SB 5822 increases licensure fees paid by physicians in Washington state to fund the Washington Physicians Health Program (PHP), which provides confidential monitoring, treatment, and support services for healthcare providers struggling with substance abuse, mental health issues, or behavioral problems. The bill adjusts the financial structure supporting this existing oversight and intervention program without changing its core operations or requirements.

Why is this important

The Physicians Health Program serves a critical public safety function by identifying and managing impaired healthcare providers before they harm patients. Adequate funding ensures the program can maintain its monitoring capacity, treatment access, and confidential reporting systems that encourage providers to seek help voluntarily rather than be discovered through patient complaints or medical errors.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to physicians: Increased licensure fees are a direct expense to practicing doctors, which could be particularly burdensome for early-career or struggling practitioners, though the specific fee increase amount is not detailed in available information
  • Program effectiveness debate: Some may question whether the PHP's confidential approach adequately protects public safety compared to more transparent disciplinary systems, or whether fee increases are the best solution
  • Burden justification: Stakeholders may dispute whether current funding is genuinely insufficient or whether program priorities should be restructured rather than simply funded more heavily through higher fees

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

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