FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 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. |
C 77 L 13
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Removing the expiration for the additional surcharge imposed on registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Health & Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody, Johnson, Moeller, Walsh, Morrell, Schmick, Green and Moscoso).
House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Health & Human Services
Senate Committee on Health Care
Background:
Legislation enacted in 2005 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 legislation 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 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 met the statutory requirements for the use of the 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 authorization to use its revenue to support a central nursing resource center expire on June 30, 2013.
Summary:
The act 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.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 90 | 7 | |
Senate | 47 | 1 |
Effective: | April 25, 2013 |