FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5976

                          C 177 L 97

                      Synopsis as Enacted

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).

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

House Committee on Health Care

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, call themselves "nurse" when introducing themselves to consumers.

There is concern that these practitioners are being seen as registered nurses and that consumers should not be misled.

Summary:  It is unlawful to use the title "nurse" in this state unless the person is licensed as a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner, or a licensed practical nurse.

Christian Science nurses may call themselves nurses.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 46 0

House     96 2

Effective:  July 27, 1997