Healthcare Professional’s Demographic Data Survey

Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1503

The Department of Health (department) is implementing Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB)1503, which passed during the 2023 legislative session. ESHB 1503 requires the department to collect health care professionals' demographic information from all provider types at the time of license application and renewal. The demographic information required in the bill includes race, ethnicity, gender, languages spoken, specialty, currently practicing, and primary place of practice. 

The department will begin gathering this information through applications and renewals starting on January 1, 2025. This demographic data will provide the department with crucial insights into workforce representation in Washington state.     

What Demographic Data will be collected?

ESHB 1503 requires applicants to provide the following information with their application or renewal:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Gender
• Languages spoken
• Provider specialty, where applicable
• Currently practicing, if applicable 
• Primary and secondary practice location, if known at the time of application

Federally Mandated Ethnicity Categories

Hispanic/Latino: A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.

Federally Mandated Race Categories

American Indian or Alaska Native: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.

Asian: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, The Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Black or African American: A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.

White: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.

Frequently Asked  Questions

Is demographic data already included in the Washington Health Workforce Survey?

The Washington Health Workforce Survey will be replaced with the Healthcare Professional Demographic Data Survey.

Do I have to participate in the demographic survey?

Yes, the survey is required for most professions under RCW 18.130.042. The Washington Medical Commission is already mandated to collect demographic data for their professions: Physicians (chapter 18.71 RCW), Physician Assistants (chapter  18.71A RCW), Compact Physicians (chapter 18.71B RCW), Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (chapter 18.71D RCW), and Compact Physician Assistants (chapter 18.71C RCW).

How can this information help patients?

Health provider demographic information can benefit patients in a number of ways. For example, patients may be more likely to see a health provider who has the same cultural, linguistic, or gender backgrounds as they do. Providers from diverse backgrounds may also have cultural competencies that can enhance the overall patient care experience. This can also build trust in health care systems if a patient feels that they are represented and there are providers that reflect the diversity of Washington’s patient population. This demographic information can also highlight and help address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

Does reference to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)’s data collection information under  RCW 28A.300.042  mean student data is collected, too?

No. These sections refer to categories of demographic data collected, specifically race and ethnicity. The department’s form that is used to collect health provider demographic information must include the same race and ethnicity categories and subgroups that OSPI does in their data collection process.

Will my information be sold to anyone?

No. RCW 18.130.042(4) prevents the department from selling the information.

How will the demographic data be collected?

Demographic data will be collected during the initial license application and license renewals using surveys through the department’s licensing portal.

If a health care professional is providing this information as part of initial licensure and renewal, why do you need a separate survey?

Separating the demographic information from the applications and renewals will remove the chance for bias or the appearance of bias in licensing decisions since credentialing staff will not have access to this information.

The questions ask for personal information; will my answers be confidential?

Answers may be subject to public disclosure requirements under the state Public Records Act, chapter 42.56 RCW, which does not include a general personal information exemption.

How will the department use this data?

The department will be developing reports with aggregate, rather than individual, data and posting the reports on the department’s open data portal. Aggregate means the data has been combined or collected in summary or other form such that the data cannot be identified with any individual.

In addition, demographic information will not be available on our provider credential search.

How is “specialty” being defined in this survey? 

A specialty is where a provider has completed additional training and education in a specific area of healthcare outside of their general area of practice.

Why does the White category include the Middle East, North African, and only Eastern European groups?

ESHB 1503 requires the department to include the same race and ethnicity categories and subgroups as what OSPI collects under RCW 28A.300.042. OSPI is required under this statute to use the federally mandated race categories (see below) and to further disaggregate the White category to include subethnic categories for Eastern European nationalities that have significant populations in Washington. There is a write-in option to collect other population information within the White category. 

Contact Us

Contact us with any questions, concerns, or comments regarding demographic data requirements. If you have any questions regarding how these requirements impact a specific profession, please reach out to that profession. If you do not know whom to contact, the department can help direct you to the correct program at 360-236-4700.

Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission (CQAC) can be reached at 360-236-2822.

Washington Medical Commission (WMC) can be reached at 360-236-2750.

Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) can be reached at 360-236-4703.