HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SSB 5976

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                         Health Care

Title:  An act relating to the use of the title of nurse as a professionally licensed designation.

Brief Description:  Clarifying who may legally use the title "nurse."

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Deccio, Wojahn, Wood, Prentice, Franklin, Heavey, McAuliffe, Kline, Patterson, Thibaudeau and Kohl).

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Health Care:  3/28/97 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 9 members:  Representatives Dyer, Chairman; Backlund, Vice Chairman; Cody, Ranking Minority Member; Murray, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Anderson; Conway; Parlette; Wood and Zellinsky.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 1 member:  Representative Sherstad.

Staff:  John Welsh (786-7133).

Background:  It is unlawful for someone to practice or offer to practice as a registered nurse unless the person has been licensed under the laws of the state.  Registered nurses, advanced registered nurse practitioners, and licensed practical nurses may call themselves "nurse" under current law.

In practice, nursing assistants, and other health care practitioners who work in offices, clinics, hospitals, and in community care, may refer to themselves as a "nurse."

Summary of Bill:  The title of "nurse" is restricted to a registered nurse, a certified nurse practitioner, or a licensed practical nurse.

Christian Science nurses may call themselves Christian Science nurses.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The use of the title of nurse should be restricted to licensed nurses.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Lisa Thatcher, Washington State Nurses Association (pro).