FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1809

                         C 295 L 95

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Authorizing naturopaths to give direction to registered nurses.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Dyer and Dickerson).

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses may work under the direction of a physician, a dentist, an osteopathic or podiatric physician or physician assistant, or an advanced nurse practitioner.  The law does not, however, authorize registered nurses or licensed practical nurses to work under the direction of a naturopathic physician.

Summary:  Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are authorized to practice under the direction of a naturopathic physician, consistent with the nurses' scopes of practice.  The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission is required to develop rules for nurses practicing under the direction of naturopathic physicians.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     98 0

Senate    46 0 (Senate amended)

House     96 0 (House concurred)

Effective:  August 1, 1996