Bill would add $70 surcharge for certified anesthesiologist assistants to access physician health program

Committee staff summarized Senate Bill 5877, explaining the measure adds a $70 surcharge at license issuance/renewal for certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP) and access HEALWA clinical resources.

Sen. Ron Mizal, prime sponsor, described the bill as a "trailer" or technical bill that resolves a statutory gap identified during CAA implementation. "It's just a slight technical change to allow them to participate," he said.

Supporters from the Washington Medical Commission and the International Medical Graduates community testified that the change is narrowly technical and will align CAAs with other licensed professionals who already pay the surcharge and access the WPHP and HEALWA. Taylor Bacharach Nixon testified the bill allows CAAs to access confidential monitoring and early intervention services; Alex Whithanger of the Washington State Medical Association described the bill as a product of interim negotiations and said stakeholders support the change.

No formal vote on SB 5877 was recorded during this hearing; the committee closed public testimony and moved on to other agenda items.