SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1538

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.

Background: Local health departments consist of the county or district that provides public health services to persons within the area. In general these services may include programs to decrease tobacco use, stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, provide immunizations against certain communicable diseases, provide information on chronic disease prevention, promote safe food handling, provide wellness information, provide information to pregnant women or women who have an infant or child under the age of five and need food assistance, and provide information on safe drinking water.

Local health officers are physicians who are appointed as the health officer for the local health department.

Registered nurses must be licensed by the Department of Health to perform nursing care to individuals with illnesses, injuries, or disabilities. Registered nurses who work at or under the general direction of other health care professionals such as physicians, physician assistants, and advanced registered nurse practitioners, may administer medications, treatments, tests, and inoculations. Registered nurses do not have the authority to dispense drugs.

Summary of Bill: A registered nurse who is employed by a local health department may dispense a drug or device for purposes of prevention or treatment of a communicable disease or family planning. Dispensing must be under the order of a person authorized to prescribe the drug or device. The local health officer must establish policies on such drug dispensing including procedures for drug dispensing, documentation storage, security, accountability, and record maintenance.

Drugs must be kept in a locked cabinet or drug room if a dispensing practitioner or registered nurse is not present. Drugs must be stored in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and must be destroyed if they are damaged, misbranded, or adulterated. A dispensing record must be maintained separately from the patient chart and must be kept for at least three years. Drugs that are dispensed in the practice of the expedited partner therapy treatment protocol may omit the patient's name from the label and be dispensed to the patient to be given to the patient's partner.

The Board of Pharmacy may adopt rules to implement this act.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This will help local health departments address communicable diseases and family planning. This will use public health nurses to provide preventative and patient care. Services provided by registered nurses are critical functions of local health departments. The bill is well thought out and is very prescriptive. This will provide a uniform standard for public health nurses across the state which leads to consistency and efficiency. This allows public health nurses to provide the right medications at the right time. Like all medical providers, these nurses are advocates for patient safety.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Morrell, prime sponsor; Melissa Johnson, WA State Nurses Assn.; Dean Webb, Public Health Seattle & King County; Adrienne Thompson, Professional and Technical Employees, Local 17; Brad Banks, WA State Assn. of Local Public Health Officers.