The bill seeks to regulate the corporate practice of medicine in Washington State by establishing stringent guidelines for the ownership and management of medical practices. It introduces new provisions that stipulate that only licensed individuals or entities may own or operate medical practices, requiring health care providers to hold the majority of shares and positions within professional service corporations. The legislation prohibits non-licensed individuals from interfering with clinical decision-making and outlines specific unlawful actions, such as controlling the clinical judgment of licensed providers or engaging in financial arrangements that could compromise the integrity of medical practice.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to strengthen standards for unprofessional conduct among licensed health care providers, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining professional autonomy. It explicitly states that unlicensed individuals cannot dictate patient care or influence the judgment of licensed providers in various healthcare settings. The bill also introduces new violations related to corporate practice, including interference with investigations and performing conversion therapy on minors, while mandating that applicants for medical licenses attest to their understanding of these regulations. Overall, the legislation aims to ensure that medical practices are managed by qualified professionals, thereby protecting the quality of care for patients.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.130.180, 19.100.120