Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Subcommittee on Health & Human Services |
HB 1343
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. |
Brief Description: Removing the expiration for the additional surcharge imposed on registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Johnson, Moeller, Walsh, Morrell, Schmick, Green and Moscoso.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/6/13
Staff: Mary Mulholland (786-7391).
Background:
In 2005 the Legislature created the Nursing Resource Center Account (Account) and authorized the Account to be funded through an additional $5 surcharge on the license applications and renewals of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
The Legislature directed the Department of Health (DOH) to award grants from the Account to a nonprofit organization that is led by nurses and coordinates with representatives of different nursing organizations. The grantee organization must use the funds to monitor, study, and promote the nursing profession. The DOH awarded the grant to the Washington Center for Nursing (WCN).
The 2005 legislation also required that the DOH to review the program by June 30, 2012, and make recommendations on whether the program should continue. In July 2012, the DOH published its review of the program. The review concluded that the WCN has met the statutory requirements for the use of surcharge funds, and recommended the following to the Legislature:
(1) Continue the $5 surcharge for RNs and LPNs to support a central nursing resource center;
(2) Continue issuing grants to a nonprofit nursing center, funded by the surcharge, as a way to complete activities identified by the Legislature, and;
(3) Revise the activities the Legislature should expect from a nonprofit nursing center to reflect and align with trends in public health and the health care delivery system.
The $5 surcharge and the use of its revenue to support a central nursing resource center expire on June 30, 2013.
Summary of Bill:
The bill removes the June 30, 2013 expiration date for the $5 surcharge placed on RN and LPN annual licenses and renewals for the support of a central nursing resource center.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available. New fiscal note requested on February 5, 2013.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.