ESHB 2473 -
By Committee on Health & Long-Term Care
ADOPTED 02/29/2012
On page 1, after line 7, insert the following:
"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1 (1) The legislature finds that many
residents of skilled nursing facilities are vulnerable and their health
and well-being are dependent on their caregivers. The quality, skills,
and knowledge of their caregivers are often the key to good care and
the need for well-trained caregivers with diverse skill sets is growing
as the state's population ages and residents' needs increase.
(2) The legislature further finds that the evidence-based practice
of allowing nursing assistants certified to administer certain
medications and treatments promotes quality and safety for residents in
skilled nursing facilities, and that creating opportunities for career
advancement and pay improvement through additional training and
credentialing will help enhance the working environment for nursing
assistants certified in skilled nursing facilities.
(3) The legislature further finds that creating continued
opportunities for recruitment into nursing practice and career
advancement for nursing assistants certified will help ensure quality
care for residents, and nurse training programs should recognize the
relevant training and experience obtained by these credentialed
professionals."
Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.
ESHB 2473 -
By Committee on Health & Long-Term Care
ADOPTED 02/29/2012
On page 1, line 5 of the title, after "RCW;" strike "creating a new section" and insert "creating new sections"
EFFECT: Adds a legislative findings section to the bill. The
legislature finds that:
(1) Residents of skilled nursing facilities are dependent on their
caregivers for their health and well-being and the skills and knowledge
of these caregivers are important to good care;
(2) Allowing nursing assistants to administer certain medications
creates opportunities for career advancement and pay improvement for
nursing assistants;
(3) This will ensure quality care for residents and nurse training
programs should recognize the relevant training and experience obtained
by medication assistants.