Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care Committee |
|
HB 2414
Brief Description: Refining membership of the nursing care quality assurance commission.
Sponsors: Representatives Kenney, Campbell, Morrell, Hankins, Cody, Clibborn, Edwards, Armstrong, Ormsby, Conway, Dickerson and Moeller.
Brief Summary of Bill |
• Increases the membership of the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission from 11 to 15 by adding four more registered nurses, one more public representative, and eliminating the midwife position. |
Hearing Date: 1/22/04
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
Responsibilities for the regulation of the 57 health care professions is divided between the Secretary of Health, 12 health profession boards, and four health profession commissions. Regulatory responsibilities may include: establishing credentialing standards; approving education and training programs; investigating complaints of unprofessional conduct; conducting disciplinary proceedings and issuing findings based on those proceedings; and ordering sanctions for determinations of unprofessional conduct.
The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (Commission) is responsible for the regulation of advanced registered nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, and registered nursing assistants. The Commission currently has 11 members consisting of advanced registered nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, members of the public, and a midwife. In comparison, the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission has 14 members, the Dental Quality Assurance Commission has 14 members, and the Medical Quality Assurance Commission has 19 members.
Summary of Bill:
The membership of the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (Commission) is increased from 11 to 15 members.
The number of members on the Commission who must be registered nurses is increased from three to seven. Of the members who are registered nurses: at least one must be on the faculty at a four-year university nursing program; at least one must be on the faculty at a two-year college nursing program; at least two must be staff nurses providing direct patient care; and at least one must be a nurse manager.
Experience requirements for all members of the Commission who are nurses is reduced from five to three years.
The number of public members on the Commission is increased from two to three. The nonvoting midwife member of the Commission is eliminated.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 14, 2004.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.