SB 5599-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares that Washington state is experiencing a critical shortage of registered nurses. To safeguard and promote patient safety and quality of care, the legislature finds that a central resource center for the nursing work force is critical and essential in addressing the nursing shortage and ensuring that the public continue to receive safe, quality care.

Provides that, in addition to the licensing fee for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW, the department shall impose an additional surcharge of five dollars per year on all initial licenses and renewal licenses for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses issued under this chapter. Advanced registered nurse practitioners are only required to pay the surcharge on their registered nurse licenses.

Directs the department, in consultation with the commission, to use the proceeds from the surcharge imposed under this act to provide grants to a central nursing resource center.

Requires the central nursing resource center to submit a report of all progress, collaboration with other organizations and government entities, and activities conducted by the center to the relevant committees of the legislature by November 30, 2011. The department shall conduct a review of the program to collect funds to support the activities of a nursing resource center and make recommendations on the effectiveness of the program and whether it should continue. The review shall be paid for with funds from the nursing resource center account. The review must be completed by June 30, 2012.