HOUSE 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. |
As Amended by the Senate
Title: An act relating to advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Brief Description: Concerning advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Green, Morrell, Dickerson and Kenney).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/22/09, 1/30/09 [DPS].
Floor Activity
Passed House: 2/13/09, 95-0.
Senate Amended.
Passed Senate: 4/7/09, 43-0.
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.
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.
EFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENT(S):
Psychiatric ARNPs are added to the list of mental health professionals who can recommend and provide certain mental health treatment related services. This includes referral to chemical dependency treatment, signature authority for certain petitions and treatment, appointment to examine and testify on behalf of a detained person, and certain records disclosure.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: 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.