HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2788

                      As Passed House:

                      February 10, 1998

Title:  An act relating to nursing assistant training.

Brief Description:  Training nursing assistants.

Sponsors:  Representatives Backlund, Cody, Dyer and Kenney.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Health Care:  1/29/98 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House:  2/10/98, 96-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Dyer, Chairman; Backlund, Vice Chairman; Skinner, Vice Chairman; Cody, Ranking Minority Member; Murray, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Anderson; Conway; Parlette; Sherstad; Wood and Zellinsky.

Staff:  John Welsh (786-7133).

Background:  The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is required by law to implement a long-term care training program for caregivers which consists of a fundamental teaching module and a range of other modules to meet resident care needs.  These other modules can include specific training on the special care needs of persons with development disabilities, dementia, mental illness, and the care needs of the elderly.  The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission works with the department in developing the modules.  DSHS caregivers are not required to complete a nursing assistant training program, but some may apply to the commission for certification as a nursing assistant.  Currently, the intent of the law is to have curriculum modules recognized by the commission hour for hour towards meeting the requirements for a nursing assistant certificate.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Social and Health Services and the Nursing Quality Assurance Commission are required to jointly develop an implementation plan, by December 12, 1998, for transferring credit for verifiable skills and competencies obtained through the DSHS caregiver training program towards certification of nursing assistants by the nursing commission.  The commission shall direct the nursing assistant training programs to accept some or all of the skills and competencies from the DSHS curriculum modules towards meeting the requirements for a nursing assistant certificate.  The recognition of the curriculum on an hour for hour basis is no longer a requirement, but transferable skills and competencies may be verified through the development of a testing process.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  An applicant for nursing certification should not have to duplicate training to qualify for the program.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Kathy Leitch, Aging & Adult Services, Department of Social & Health Services; and Patty Hays, Department of Health.