SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 54

(By Senators Snyder, Green, Browning, Foster, Klempa, Minard, Palumbo, Williams, Yost, Boley and Sypolt)

[Originating in the Committee on Government Organization]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the scope of practice of health care professions and the need for the establishment of a commission to make independent recommendations to the Legislature on scope of practice issues.Whereas, This Legislature is committed to availability, access and affordability of patients to high quality health care services by licensed health care professionals; and

    Whereas, There is a demonstrated need to examine the scope of practice expansion proposals that are proposed for legislative consideration and those currently in statute; and

    Whereas, The regulation of health care professions is designed to protect the public and enhance patient access to competent health care delivery services; and

    Whereas, Health care is an evolving, dynamic system and changes in the scope of practice are inherent in health care delivery; and

    Whereas, Scope of practice issues for health care delivery is often a complex and contentious process; and

    Whereas, Changes to the scope of practice should recognize the established history of the practiced scope within health care professions, a recognition of the education and training received by a particular health care discipline, evidence supporting the need for a change to the scope of practice and the appropriate regulatory environment; and

    Whereas, The interim study would provide an opportunity for a professional licensure discussion by and between health care regulatory boards, education and training institutions, citizens, advocates, patients, health care professionals, and lawmakers; and

    Whereas, The interim study would also allow the opportunity to discuss any appropriate expansion of the scope of practice for various health care boards or modification to current statutory provisions; and

    Whereas, The interim study would compare national minimum requirements for health care professionals; and

    Whereas, The interim study would examine educational comparisons of health care professionals; and

    Whereas, The interim study would address the didactic and clinical training and continuing education of health professionals; and

    Whereas, The interim study would review the supervised educational experience and practice for health care professionals; and

    Whereas, The interim study would evaluate the statutory and regulatory requirements of health care professionals in other states; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the scope of practice of health care professions and the need for the establishment of a commission to make independent recommendations to the Legislature on scope of practice issues; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2012, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.