Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Sequim) was first elected to the Legislature in 2010. Since that
time he has left a mark regarding health care access that is quite… well… remarkable.
In just the last session, Steve was the prime sponsor of bills to:
- Expand East Asian medical practitioner’s scope to include reflexology
- Expand the number of allopathic physicians by allowing certified, foreign doctors to provide care in the state without jeopardizing patient safety
- Create a joint legislative committee to address the needs of Washington aging and disabled populations
- Provide enhanced payment to small rural hospitals that meet the criteria of a sole community hospital
- Study the feasibility of coverage for long-term care services and support needs
Rep. Tharinger says “nearly 30 percent of the district I represent in Olympia is over the age of 65. There are few issues that I take more seriously than ensuring that our family members and friends can grow old with the dignity they deserve”
As a member of both the Health Care and Wellness Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the people of the 24th Legislative District have a well-positioned representative fighting for the health care access needs of their district.