Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

SB 5092

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: Providing an exemption from continuing competency requirements for registered nurses who seek advanced nursing degrees.

Sponsors: Senators Benton, Shin, Braun, Roach and Honeyford.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Exempts registered nurses from continuing competency requirements while they are pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees.

Hearing Date: 3/26/13

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

A registered nurse is a person who performs acts requiring substantial specialized knowledge, judgment, and skill based on the principles of the biological, physiological, behavioral, and sociological sciences in several areas, including:

Pursuant to rules adopted by the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC), registered nurses must complete at least 531 hours of active practice and at least 45 clock hours of continuing education every three years.

Summary of Bill:

In adopting rules on the number of active nursing practice hours needed to meet continuing competency requirements, the NCQAC must provide exemptions from the active practice requirements for registered nurses who:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on March 20, 2013.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.