SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1726
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 21, 2019
Title: An act relating to services provided by health care professional students.
Brief Description: Concerning services provided by health care professional students.
Sponsors: Representatives Riccelli, Schmick, Robinson, Walsh, Thai, Stonier, Macri and Pollet.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/04/19, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 3/20/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE |
Staff: LeighBeth Merrick (786-7445)
Background: Students enrolled in a school of medicine approved and accredited by the Medical Quality Assurance Commission may practice medicine pursuant to their coursework or under the supervision and control of a licensed physician. Students enrolled in a school of osteopathic medicine and surgery accredited and approved by the Osteopathic Board of Medicine and Surgery may practice pursuant to their coursework and under the supervision of a licensed osteopathic physician. Nursing students enrolled in approved schools may practice registered nursing or advanced registered nursing so long as it is incidental to their course of study. Pharmacy students must apply for registration as a pharmacy intern to obtain pharmacy internship experience.
Summary of Bill: A pharmacy student registered as a pharmacy intern may practice pharmacy, a nursing student may practice registered nursing or advanced registered nursing, an allopathic medical student may practice medicine, and an osteopathic medical student may practice osteopathic medicine if:
the student is enrolled in an education program approved by the relevant commission or board;
the student performs the services without compensation or expectation of compensation as part of a volunteer activity;
the student is under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, physician, registered nurse, or advanced registered nurse practitioner;
the services are within the scope of practice of both the person supervising the student and the profession for which the student is receiving training;
the student's school verifies in writing that the student has demonstrated competency through the student's education and training to perform the tasks defined in the written agreement; and
the student provides proof of current malpractice insurance to the volunteer activity organizer prior to providing any services.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Students brought this bill forward so that they can better serve their community and get more experience utilizing their skills. For example, if a pharmacy student wants to participate in health fair by taking someone's blood pressure, current law requires that they can only do this if a licensed pharmacist is there to precept. This bill would allow the pharmacy student to take someone's blood pressure if a physician or nurse was available to precept. There currently are not enough preceptors available so expanding the professions that can precept will greatly help students have more access to serve their communities. Stakeholder's concerns have been addressed and all known stakeholders are in support of the bill. Health care is moving towards a more interprofessional approach and it is important that education also take this approach.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Marcus Riccelli, Prime Sponsor; Brandy Seignemartin, Associated Students of Washington State University Spokane; Jennifer Robinson, Washington State University.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.