FISCAL NOTE
FUND(S):
Board of Medicine
Sources of Revenue:
Special Fund
Legislation creates:
Neither Program nor Fund
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
This bill not cause any additional costs or increases in revenue.
Continuing Medical Education (CME) Costs are borne by the licensee mandated to take them. The Board of Medicine does not develop actual courses but considers appropriate courses approved by the American Medical Association or American Acadeny of Family Physicians for which Board of Medicine licensees can receive credit. Course/programs taken without accreditation from these two entities do not count towards a licensees CME requirements unless additionally specified by law.
Fiscal Note Detail
| Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2014
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2015
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
This bill would require the Board of Medicine to work with the DHHR Cabinet Secretary to propose legislative rules establishing biennial continuing education requirements for licensed allopathic physicians, physician assistants and podiatrists, that will increase professionals’ knowledge and recognition of mental health conditions common to veterans and family members of veterans. While there are not other current provisions of the West Virginia Code requiring the Board of Medicine to perform similar functions, there does not appear to be either a significant revenue or expenditure impact by this proposed legislation.
Memorandum
Educational requirements are rather vague as to what should actually be covered as indicated below:
(b) The continuing education requirements shall include education on the following:
(1) Dealing with patients who are veterans or family members of veterans; [How is "dealing" defined?]
(2) Identifying and treating common mental conditions of veterans and family members of veterans; [Are there common mental conditions specific to family members?]
(3) Programs and benefits available to veterans and family members of veterans through federal, state and local government organizations and through nonprofit organizations; and [This appears more informational than educational]
(4) Other matters the Cabinet Secretary considers appropriate. [Too vague and arbitrary to categorize]
Also be aware that the educational component will differ, sometimes very noticeably, for each profession.
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Robert C. Knittle, Executive Director
Email Address: Robert.C.Knittle@wv.gov