HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2497
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed House:
February 13, 2008
Title: An act relating to the prescriptive authority of advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Brief Description: Repealing RCW 18.79.255.
Sponsors: By Representatives Green, Seaquist, Williams, Cody, Condotta, Hinkle, Morrell and Simpson.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/14/08, 1/21/08 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/13/08, 96-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Campbell, Condotta, DeBolt, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
Advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNP) are registered nurses with formal specialized
training which qualifies them to function in a variety of health care specialties with more
independence than a registered nurse. Advanced registered nurse practitioners may have
specialties in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, midwifery, anesthesiology, or neonatology.
This additional training allows ARNPs to assume primary care responsibilities for a broad
range of patient care beyond the practice of registered nurses, including the prescribing of
medications.
Advanced registered nurse practitioners may prescribe schedule II through IV controlled
substances in either of two circumstances. First, ARNPs who are certified registered nurse
anesthetists may select, order, and administer schedule II through IV controlled substances
for anesthesia services at the request of a physician, osteopathic physician, dentist, or
podiatrist. Second, ARNPs may order or prescribe schedule II through IV controlled
substances as permitted by their scope of practice, but are limited to dispensing no more than
a 72-hour supply.
Summary of Bill:
The limitation on ARNPs dispensing more than a 72-hour supply of schedule II through IV
controlled substances is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) There have not been any problems with advanced registered nurse practitioners
(ARNP) having prescriptive authority that indicate a risk to patient safety. Many people have
ARNPs as their primary care provider and giving them full prescriptive authority would
provide affordability and access to care by not requiring them to go to another provider. This
bill assures comprehensive care for patients. This bill makes the ARNP practice comparable
to other independent providers. Removing limitations on dispensing medicines will help
people in rural areas.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Brian Payton, Washington State Department of Health; and Aaron Huston and Tammie Warnke, Associate Registered Nurse Practitioners United of Washington State.