Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

SB 6267


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Repealing RCW 18.79.255.

Sponsors: Senators Keiser, Kastama, Franklin, Pflug and Kohl-Welles.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Repeals the limit on advanced registered nurse practitioners dispensing more than a 72-hour supply of schedule II through IV controlled substances.

Hearing Date: 2/20/08

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

Advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNP) are registered nurses with formal specialized training which qualifies them to function in a variety of health care specialties with more independence than a registered nurse. Advanced registered nurse practitioners may have specialties in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, midwifery, anesthesiology, or neonatology. This additional training allows ARNPs to assume primary care responsibilities for a broad range of patient care beyond the practice of registered nurses, including the prescribing of medications.

Advanced registered nurse practitioners may prescribe schedule II through IV controlled substances in either of two circumstances. First, ARNPs who are certified registered nurse anesthetists may select, order, and administer schedule II through IV controlled substances for anesthesia services at the request of a physician, osteopathic physician, dentist, or podiatrist. Second, ARNPs may order or prescribe schedule II through IV controlled substances as permitted by their scope of practice, but are limited to dispensing no more than a 72-hour supply.

Summary of Bill:

The limitation on ARNPs dispensing more than a 72-hour supply of schedule II through IV controlled substances is repealed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.