FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1404

PARTIAL VETO

                                  C 211 L 88

BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Bristow, Brooks, McLean, Holm, Braddock, Lux, Peery, Cooper and Day)

Revising provisions relating to licensure of nursing.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The State Board of Nursing is currently required to approve nursing curricula, schools of nursing and to establish minimum education standards.  The board may adopt regulations in response to questions by professional groups and individuals but is not authorized to issue advisory opinions.  Current provisions in the law allow registered nurses from other states to gain licensure to work in this state by endorsement; however, these provisions are unclear regarding the ability for licensed practical nurses from other states to be licensed in this state by endorsement.

The board is required to establish proof of currency of knowledge and skill after a licensed nurse has not practiced in three years.  Renewal of the license is dependent on the applicant completing the established requirements of continuing nursing education.  Licensed nurses who wish to retire temporarily are required to submit a written notice to the director and are then placed on a non-practicing list.  They are exempt from the payment of any renewal fees and are unable to practice nursing in this state.

Recent data indicate that the health care industry is facing a significant shortage of licensed nursing staff.  The current lack of nursing staff is critical in both medical/surgical specialties and in certain geographical locations around the state.

SUMMARY:

The State Board of Nursing is required to conduct a study that investigates the scope of all nursing education programs in the state to develop a model for articulation of the education program for career mobility and for support for innovative nursing education programs.  The board will report its findings to the Legislature by January 1, 1989.

The board is authorized to issue licenses by endorsement to applicants for licensure as a registered or practical nurse.  Licensure by endorsement will be limited to nurses holding credentials to practice nursing in states that have been determined by the board to have standards equal to those in Washington state.

The State Board of Nursing is required to issue an interim permit that allows an applicant to practice as a practical nurse or advanced registered nurse practitioner while waiting on the results of his or her first licensing examination.

The Board may issue advisory opinions in response to questions from professional groups or individuals.

Applicants for licensure or license renewal must indicate whether their status is active or inactive.  Nurses on inactive status for three years or more must provide to the board evidence of knowledge and skill of current practice.  The board will establish criteria for proof of reasonable evidence of knowledge.  Nurses on inactive status may not practice nursing.

The need for proof of continuing nursing education as a condition of nursing license renewal is repealed.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 97   0

      Senate    47     0 (Senate amended)

      House 96   0 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988

Partial Veto Summary:  Provisions are vetoed authorizing the Department of Licensing, effective April 1, 1988, to issue interim permits for licensed practical nurses to practice, pending notification of the results of their licensing examination.  These vetoes are technical in nature, as identical provisions are contained in SB 6119, which has been signed by the governor.  (See VETO MESSAGE)