Leaders of government and education met Wednesday as Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill authorizing Washington State University to create an independent medical school.

House Bill 1559 abolishes the century-old state law that granted the University of Washington exclusive rights to a medical school in Washington state.

The fight for a WSU-run med school gained traction in 2014 when a feasibility assessment deemed the university able to effectively operate an accredited school.

In order to address the shortage of medical professionals in rural areas of Washington, newly upgraded facilities at the WSU health sciences campus in Spokane are ready to begin recruiting and training students.

Inslee signed the unanimously passed bill into law at a ceremony held in Olympia. WSU President Elson S. Floyd attended and shook hands with Governor Inslee after the signing.

Reporting by Shane Michard