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Edited to update incorrect links.
Dear Interested Party:
The Department of Health (department) has adopted amendments to WAC 246-918-990 Physician Assistant fees and renewal cycle and WAC 246-919-990 Physician and Surgeon fees and renewal cycle. These rules will increase the fees for license renewal and late renewal penalty. The amended fees were adopted on October 10, 2019 under WSR # 19-21-052 and become effective February 1, 2020. Attached you will find the adopted rules, the Concise Explanatory Statement, and other relevant documents as referenced below.
What has changed from the proposed rule filed April 2019?
The final adopted fees have decreased by the following:
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Physician
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Physician Assistant
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Current
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Initial proposal
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Final Proposed
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Current
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Initial proposal
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Final Proposed
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Renewal (every 2 years)
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$525
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$880
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$824
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$70
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$265
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$247
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Late Penalty
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$262.50
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$300
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$300
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$50
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$130
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$124
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*Fees listed do not include University of Washington (UW) HEAL-WA annual surcharge of $16 or Washington Physician Health Program annual surcharge of $50.
How did the department and the Washington Medical Commission (WMC) respond to comments provided during the open public comment period and the hearing?
Attached is the Concise Explanatory Statement outlining the comments received and the department and WMCs response to those questions.
Where can I find out more information about the budget?
Attached is a document showing the financial forecast and costs that are driving the fee increase. This document has been updated from the proposal to reflect changes as a result of the final adopted rule.
Who has authority for setting fees?
The WMC does not have authority to establish fees or make recommendations for a fee change. The fees for every health profession fall under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Health. (WAC 246-12-330). RCW 43.70.250 requires that each health profession’s budget must be self-sustaining and borne by the profession. Therefore, costs associated with the medical professions come directly from the profession’s budget. This applies to all health professions.
What factors have contributed to the need for the increase?
The main reason for the fee increase is high disciplinary and litigation costs for the medical professions. Costs associated with disciplinary spending include investigations, legal services, and attorney general services. Costs have also increased for credentialing, case management, and call center functions. You can find more detailed information about disciplinary actions in the 2015-2017 Uniform Disciplinary Act Biennial Report.
We hope this information is useful in understanding the necessity for a fee increase. The department has implemented procedures to avoid an even higher increase. In addition, the department and WMC have increased efforts to assist with finding ways to keep costs down.
The department and the WMC remain firmly committed to its mission and mandate of public protection. If you have any questions, you can contact Cori Tarzwell at cori.tarzwell@doh.wa.gov or 360-236-4981.
Any person may petition the adoption or amendment of these rules in accordance with RCW 34.05.330.
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