HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1071
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Brief Description: Concerning advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Sponsors: Representatives Green, Morrell, Dickerson and Kenney.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/22/09, 1/30/09 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Driscoll, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Campbell, Green, Herrera, Hinkle, Kelley, Moeller, Morrell and Pedersen.
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146)
Background:
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs) are registered nurses with additional formal specialized training in areas such as pediatrics, midwifery, geriatrics, anesthesiology, and psychiatry. The ARNPs function more independently than registered nurses and assume primary responsibility and accountability for care of their patients. An ARNP can examine patients and establish medical diagnoses, admit patients to health care facilities, order and interpret lab tests, implement a plan of care for patients, prescribe medications and refer clients to other health care practitioners or facilities.The Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission recognizes a specialty designation for psychiatric nurse practitioners or clinical specialists in psychiatric-mental health nursing.
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Summary of Substitute Bill:
Advanced registered nurse practitioners are specifically added to the list of mental health professionals who can recommend and provide certain mental health treatment.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The definition of "mental health professional" is updated to include psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioners. Advanced registered nurse practitioners are specifically included as mental health professionals who can conduct required evaluations for 14-day involuntary detentions, 90-day less restrictive alternatives, or evaluations to determine that the patient no longer needs inpatient mental health treatment.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Advanced registered nurse practitioners with a specialty in mental health are a valuable member of the mental health treatment team. With a shortage of psychiatrists, advanced registered nurse practitioners can perform critical mental health services efficiently and effectively.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Green, prime sponsor; Leslie Emerick, Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses; and Lisa Trigg, Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.