SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1071
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. |
As of March 16, 2009
Title: An act relating to advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Brief Description: Concerning advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Green, Morrell, Dickerson and Kenney).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/09, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/16/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)
Background: Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs) are registered nurses with additional formal specialized training in areas such as pediatrics, midwifery, geriatrics, anesthesiology, and psychiatry. The ARNPs function more independently than registered nurses and assume primary responsibility and accountability for care of their patients. An ARNP can examine patients and establish medical diagnoses, admit patients to health care facilities, order and interpret lab tests, implement a plan of care for patients, prescribe medications, and refer clients to other health care practitioners or facilities. The Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission recognizes a specialty designation for psychiatric nurse practitioners or clinical specialists in psychiatric-mental health nursing.
Summary of Bill: ARNPs are specifically added to the list of mental health professionals who can recommend and provide certain mental health treatment related services. This includes referral to chemical dependency treatment, signature authority for certain petitions and treatment, appointment to examine and testify on behalf of a detained person, and certain records disclosure.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is an access to health care issue. This bill allows ARNPs to sign documentation and maintains the documents validity. There was no opposition in the House. ARNPs already provide many of the services listed. This addressed signature authority. We do the work and know the patients extremely well. We should be given authority to sign appropriate documentation.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Green, prime sponsor; Leslie Emerick, Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses; Lisa Trigg, ARNP.