WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Tarleton bill will bring in volunteer medical professionals from neighbor states

 The House unanimously approved HB 2351 today, granting out-of-state healthcare professionals the ability to practice in Washington on a limited voluntary basis.

Washington is home to numerous nonprofit humanitarian organizations that mobilize and host large, volunteer-based free health clinics for underserved, impoverished, and often homeless members of the community. All too often, these public service clinics are under-staffed, and as a result the nonprofits are unable to treat every patient.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Gael Tarleton (D-Seattle), will allow healthcare professionals licensed in other states to come to Washington and volunteer their services for a temporary time.

“This idea came from people at Seattle Center who had a vision of making healthcare available to everyone,” Tarleton said. “We can bring in volunteers from other states, creating a partnership of people committed to helping people in need.”

In addition to providing professional support for free medical services, this bill will prepare Washington for any future events requiring emergency assistance. Many states have passed similar legislation for emergency and disaster preparedness.