OLYMPIA – New State Representative Vandana Slatter (D—Bellevue) wasted no time getting to work after her appointment, sponsoring legislation to protect public health and safety. She prime sponsored legislation (HB 1431) to improve resources for the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. The legislation increases the efficiency of case management, rule-making, and review of complaints by adding two osteopathic physicians, a public member and an osteopathic physician assistant to share in the board’s growing workload.

“Access to health care for our families has created an increased need for more physicians in Washington state.  As we address this need with more practitioners, we need to make sure our governing bodies have the necessary resources to ensure public safety, address concerns and strengthen that care,” said Slatter after passage of the bill.

The board has not increased its members in nearly 40 years, while the number of osteopathic physicians has quadrupled. Slatter’s legislation will not cost the state any funding, as license fees paid by physicians will cover the additional cost.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.