SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1809

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Health & Long-Term Care, March 31, 1995

Title:  An act relating to naturopath's authority to give direction to persons licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW.

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

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

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  3/21/95, 3/31/95 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Quigley, Chair; Deccio, Fairley, Franklin, Winsley and Wood.

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  Under current law, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses may work under the direction of a physician, dentist, osteopathic or podiatric physician, physician assistant, or advanced nurse practitioner.

Current law does not authorize a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse to work under the direction of a naturopathic physician.

Summary of Amended Bill: Nurses and licensed practical nurses are authorized to work under the direction of a naturopathic physician, consistent with their scopes of practice.

The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission establishes rules for RNs who practice under naturopathic physicians.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:  Language is added directing the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to establish rules for RNs who take direction from naturopathic physicians. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Nurses acting within their scope of practice should be able to take direction from naturopathic physicians.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Jeff  Larsen, WANP (pro); Nick Federici, WSNA (pro w/amendment).