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 |
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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:
the observation, assessment, diagnosis, care or counsel, and health teaching of individuals with illnesses, injuries, or disabilities, or in the maintenance of health or prevention of illness of others;
the administration, supervision, delegation, and evaluation of nursing practice;
the teaching of nursing; and
the execution of a medical regimen as prescribed by a physician, dentist, osteopathic physician, podiatric physician, physician assistant, osteopathic physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner (or as directed by a licensed midwife within his or her scope of practice).
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:
are both domiciled and licensed in Washington;
are enrolled for at least six hours per semester or quarter in an accredited bachelor's of science in nursing program or master's of science nursing program; and
maintain passing grades and complete the bachelor's or master's program within three years of acceptance in the program.
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.