FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 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.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Green, Morrell, Dickerson and Kenney).

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

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.

Summary:

Advanced registered nurse practitioners are specifically added to the list of mental health professionals who can recommend and provide certain mental health treatment.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	95
Senate	43	(Senate amended)
House	97	(House concurred)