Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Health Care Committee

HB 1710

Brief Description: Providing for health care staffing level reporting.

Sponsors: Representatives Morrell, Clibborn, Cody, Green, Moeller, Appleton and Conway.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires that hospitals and nursing homes compile information about the number of health care providers providing direct patient or resident care in proportion to the number of patients or residents at their facilities.

Hearing Date: 2/10/05

Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).

Background:

Hospitals must ensure that qualified and competent staff are available to operate in each department. Hospitals must establish nursing policies and procedures, nursing standards of patient care, and standards of nursing practice. Nursing services at hospitals must be directed by a nurse executive or a nurse leader.

Nursing homes must ensure that a sufficient number of qualified staff are available to safely provide the necessary care and services. Nursing homes must have staff development programs that are directed by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. Except for licensed nursing staff, any employees that are providing direct care to residents must complete a training program approved by the Department of Social and Health Services or be enrolled in such a program.

Summary of Bill:

Hospitals must compile information related to staff levels by unit and shift and submit the information to the Department of Health every six months. The hospital must post the information in a visible and accessible place in each unit. The information must identify the number of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and other health care providers who provide direct patient care and the ratio of these providers to patients. The Department of Health must publish an annual report of the information for public distribution.

Nursing homes must compile information related to the number and type of health care providers who are directly responsible for resident care and the ratio of these health care providers to residents for each shift. The nursing home must post the information in a visible and accessible place in the residential area and submit it to the Department of Social and Health Services every six months. The Department of Social and Health Services must publish an annual report of the information for public distribution.

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.