Brief Description: Modifying the composition of the nursing care quality assurance commission.

Sponsors: Representatives Kenney, Morrell, Campbell, Cody, Santos, Skinner, Green, Bailey, Schual-Berke and Chase.

Hearing Date: 2/10/05

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

Responsibilities for the regulation of the fifty-seven health care professions is divided between the Secretary of Health, twelve 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. This constitutes approximately 136,000 credentialed health care professionals. The Commission currently has eleven 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 fourteen members, the Dental Quality Assurance Commission has fourteen members, and the Medical Quality Assurance Commission has nineteen members.

Summary of Bill:

The membership of the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (Commission) is increased from eleven to fifteen 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 are reduced from five years to three.

The number of public members on the Commission is increased from two to three. The nonvoting midwife member of the Commission is eliminated.

When appointing members of the Commission, the Governor shall consider the recommendations of appropriate professional associations. When appointing pro tem members, the Secretary must make reasonable efforts to appoint one practicing registered nurse who graduated from a nursing program within three years of appointment.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 2, 2005.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.