OLYMPIA – The House unanimously passed two bills on Monday February 3rd that were proposed by 24th Legislative District Democrat Steve Tharinger.
“These bills will help open access to results driven modes of medicine,” Rep. Tharinger said after the unanimous votes on the House floor. “Washingtonians deserve to have the choice of medicine and medical practices that best suits their needs and desired outcomes. These bills will help promote better access to medical practitioners.”
HB 1339 expands an East Asian medical practitioner’s scope to include reflexology. HB 1409 expands the number of allopathic physicians by allowing certified, foreign doctors to provide care in the state without jeopardizing patient safety.
Both bills passed without opposition in the house today. They will now move to the Senate for consideration.
“I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their universal support of these measures,” Rep. Tharinger said. “I hope the Senate will move these non-controversial bills to the floor for a vote swiftly. Individuals having choices in their health care delivery is something members of both parties support.”
Rep. Tharinger is serving his second term in Olympia. He resides in Sequim with his wife Yvonne.