Governor signs Caldier bill requiring patient notification of health providers sanctioned for sexual misconduct

A bill authored by 26th District State Rep. Michelle Caldier that will require patients to be notified of sexual misconduct sanctions against their health care provider was signed into law Friday by Gov. Jay Inslee.

Under House Bill 1198, a health care provider who has been sanctioned by a disciplinary authority due to unprofessional actions involving sexual misconduct, must provide a disclosure to any patient scheduled for an appointment. 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. 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.” said Caldier, R-Port Orchard.

The bill takes effect Oct. 1, 2019. The 2019 legislative session is scheduled to end April 28.

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PHOTO: Rep. Michelle Caldier, R-Port Orchard, (second from left) stands with other interested parties to watch as Gov. Jay Inslee signs House Bill 1198. The measure will require health providers sanctioned for sexual misconduct to notify patients of the sanction details.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov