HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6267
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:
March 5, 2008
Title: An act relating to the prescriptive authority of advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Brief Description: Repealing RCW 18.79.255.
Sponsors: By Senators Keiser, Kastama, Franklin, Pflug and Kohl-Welles.
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/20/08, 2/27/08 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/5/08, 95-1.
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controlled substances is repealed.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) Advanced registered nurse practitioners have had limited dispensing authority for
several years without any complaints. This will help people in rural areas where patients may
have to travel long distances to refill prescriptions.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Keiser, prime sponsor; and Tammie Warnke, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners United of Washington and Washington State Nurses Association.