SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1727
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. |
As of March 20, 2015
Title: An act relating to permitting nursing assistants to perform simple care tasks under indirect supervision.
Brief Description: Modifying the definition of health care facility relating to nursing assistants' practice settings.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Schmick, Cody and Short).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/04/15, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Health Care: 3/16/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)
Background: Nursing Assistants. The Department of Health (DOH) registers nursing assistants and certifies those who complete education and training requirements as determined by the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (Nursing Commission). Nursing assistants, under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse, assist in the delivery of nursing and nursing-related activities to patients in a health care facility. Health care facility is defined as a nursing home, hospital, hospice care facility, home health care agency, hospice agency, or other entity for delivery of health care services as defined by the Nursing Commission.
Licensed Service Provider. Under the Community Mental Health Services Act, a licensed service provider is defined as:
a licensed mental health service provider;
an entity deemed to meet state minimum standards as a result of accreditation by a recognized behavioral health accrediting body;
a licensed osteopathic physician;
a licensed physician;
a licensed psychologist;
a registered nurse; or
an advanced registered nurse practitioner.
Summary of Bill: A health care facility, for purposes of where a nursing assistant may practice, includes service providers under the Community Mental Health Services Act, other than individual health care providers.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Nursing assistants can't take blood pressure or pulse at mental health facilities under current law. This bill is only intended to let nursing assistants practice at mental health facilities and does not change their scope of practice.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Schmick, prime sponsor; Gregory Robinson, WA Community Mental Health Council.
Persons Signed in to Testify But Not Testifying: No one.