SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1397
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 the delegation of authority to registered nurses.
Brief Description: Concerning the delegation of authority to registered nurses.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Moeller, Ericksen, Cody, Green, Hinkle, Morrell, Bailey, Williams, Nelson and Wood).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/09, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/16/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)
Background: A registered nurse may administer medications, treatments, tests, and inoculations if within the nurse's scope of practice at the direction of a licensed physician and surgeon, dentist, osteopathic physician and surgeon, naturopathic physician, podiatric physician and surgeon, physician assistant, osteopathic physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner. Licensed optometrists are not included in this list under current law.
Optometry is the examination of the human eye, the examination of any defects in the human vision system, and the analysis of the process of vision. The practice of optometry includes:
the use of objective or subjective means or methods, including the use of drugs, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes;
the use of diagnostic instruments or devices for the examination or analysis of vision;
the prescription, fitting, and adjustment of lenses, prisms, and contact lenses;
the prescription and pro-vision of visual therapy, therapeutic aids, and other optical devices; and
the adaptation of prosthetic eyes.
Summary of Bill: A registered nurse may administer medications, treatments, tests, and inoculations at the direction of an optometrist.
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: It appears that it must have been an oversight to not provide optometrists with delegation authority. This could be an issue for schools where an optometrist might need a nurse to administer eye drops to a student. This is an oversight that can be easily fixed.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Moeller, prime sponsor; Brad Tower, Optometric Physicians of Washington.