FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1920

C 148 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Allowing medical reports in guardianship proceedings by advanced registered nurse practitioners.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Carrell, Lantz, Cody and Campbell).

House Committee on Judiciary

Senate Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care

Background:

A court may appoint a guardian for an incapacitated person to help the person manage his or her personal or financial affairs.  A person may be incapacitated if the individual is at a significant risk of financial harm because of an inability to manage his or her property or financial affairs or has a significant risk of personal harm because of an inability to provide for nutrition, health, housing, or physical safety.  The court may establish a guardianship over the person, the person's estate, or both.  The court may also establish a limited guardianship in which the guardian's duties are limited to specified areas.

In all guardianship proceedings, the court must receive a written report from either a physician or a licensed or certified psychologist who has expertise in the type of disability or incapacity the alleged incapacitated person is believed to have.  The report must include information on the alleged incapacitated person's medical history, including a psychological or psychiatric report; the physician's or psychologist's findings as to the conditions of the alleged incapacitated person; and opinions on the specific assistance the alleged incapacitated person needs.

An advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) is a registered nurse who has received advanced training and performs an expanded role in providing health care services.  An ARNP may receive advanced training in one or more specialty fields.  Within the scope of the ARNP's specialty, the ARNP may examine and diagnose patients; admit patients to health care facilities; order, collect, perform, and interpret laboratory tests; develop a plan of care and treatment for patients; refer clients to other health care practitioners or facilities; and prescribe medications when authorized.

Summary:

In a proceeding for the appointment of a guardian or limited guardian, the report that must be submitted by a health care professional regarding the person's alleged incapacity may be submitted by an ARNP.

The requirement of a summary of the person's psychological or psychiatric history is changed to a mental health history.

Votes on Final Passage:

House930

Senate490

Effective: July 22, 2001