SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB 2186
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 Senate Committee On:
Health & Long-Term Care, February 15, 2012
Title: An act relating to improving the ability of licensed midwives to work with registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
Brief Description: Concerning licensed midwives ability to work with registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
Sponsors: Representatives Bailey, Cody, Schmick, Darneille, Ahern, Green, Kelley and Kenney.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/27/12, 95-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/15/12 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; Becker, Ranking Minority Member; Frockt, Kline, Parlette and Pridemore.
Staff: Veronica Warnock (786-7490)
Background: A registered nurse may execute a prescribed medical regimen and administer medications, treatments, tests, and inoculations at or under the general direction of a licensed physician and surgeon; dentist; osteopathic physician and surgeon; physician assistant; osteopathic physician assistant; podiatric physician and surgeon; or advanced registered nurse practitioner. A registered nurse may also administer medications, treatments, tests, and inoculations at or under the general direction of a naturopathic physician or an optometrist.
A licensed practical nurse may carry out selected aspects of the nursing regimen and administer drugs, medications, treatments, tests, injections, and inoculation under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon; dentist; osteopathic physician and surgeon; physician assistant; osteopathic physician assistant; podiatric physician and surgeon; naturopathic physician; advanced registered nurse practitioner; or registered nurse.
A licensed midwife renders medical aid to a woman during prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum stages and must consult with a physician whenever there are significant deviations from normal in either the mother or the infant.
Summary of Bill: A registered nurse may execute a medical regimen and administer medications, treatments, tests, and inoculation as directed by a licensed midwife. A licensed practical nurse may carry out selected aspects of the nursing regimen practice and administer drugs, medications, treatments, tests, injections, and inoculations under the direction and supervision of a licensed midwife.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Currently, midwives cannot direct nurses during the course of their practice. Allowing them to do so would increase access to high qualify affordable maternity care. This bill removes barriers to midwives obtaining hospital privileges. If midwives had hospital privileges they could provide continuity of care when they had to move a patient from a freestanding birth center or home into the hospital. This bill would also enable licensed midwives to employ RNs and LPNs in birth centers and at home births. Also it would remove barriers to midwives being able to work in federally qualified health centers which is a key strategy for addressing maternity care shortages in rural areas. This bill does not expand the scope of practice of licensed midwives.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Bailey, prime sponsor; Amber Ulvenes, Audrey Levine, Midwives Assn. of WA State; Tamara Warnke, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners United of WA.