SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6582

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.

Background: The Legislature currently recognizes the growing need for competent nursing assistants in health care facilities. The growth of the elderly population, and sicker patients in hospitals and nursing homes, combined with the high turnover of health care workers who can provide for basic needs of patients creates a challenge to meet staffing needs in health care facilities. The Legislature also recognizes that there should be a system which provides career mobility and advancement opportunities for nursing assistants. Such a system can provide for a stable workforce and be a resource for recruitment into the licensed nursing practice.

The Secretary of the Department of Health (secretary) issues certificates for nursing assistants. Applicants must complete an approved training program or alternate training approved by the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (commission) which meets criteria approved by the commission. The secretary can permit training hours earned by long-term care workers to be applied toward certification. Applicants must also complete a competency evaluation and can be denied certification under the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

Summary of Bill: In addition to recognizing the value of career mobility and advancement for nursing assistants the Legislature recognizes the value of certified medical assistants and certified home care aides as a potential source of nursing assistants. Nursing assistant training programs should recognize the relevant training and experience obtained by these credentialed professionals.

The commission must adopt criteria to evaluate an applicant's alternative training to determine eligibility to take a qualifying exam for nursing assistant certification. The commission must adopt at least one option to allow a certified home care aide or a certified medical assistant to take the exam if the person has 24 hours of training that the commission determines is equivalent to approved training on topics not addressed in the training required for home care aide or medical assistant certification.

The commission must adopt rules to implement this new requirement by August 1, 2010, and must implement the credentialing reciprocity by January 1, 2011. A report is due to the Governor and the Legislature beginning December 1, 2011, and thereafter annually.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We support lifelong learning and the creation of career tracks. Healthcare has the highest job vacancy and needs this bridge. This will facilitate a pathway from home care aide to certified nurse assistant. Everyone should meet the federal standards. We have concerns and would like more time allowed for rules development. We are partners in training of home care aides, we should be involved in rule development. We favor a career ladder.

OTHER: Higher fees for this group of health professionals will be prohibitive. Medical assistants shouldn't be in this bill. Home care aide rules are not in place yet. We need to make sure staff still meet federal requirements.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Maddy Thompson, Workforce Board; Misha Werschkul, SEIU Health Care; Paula Meyer, Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission; Julie Peterson, Aging Services of WA; Hilke Faber, Resident Councils of WA; Steve Lindstrom, NW Career Colleges Federation.

OTHER: Lisa Butler, WA State Hospice and Palliative Care Organization; Leslie Emerick, WA Private Duty Assn; Kathy Leitch, DSHS ADSA.