SENATE BILL REPORT
ESHB 1404
BYHouse Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Bristow, Brooks, McLean, Holm, Braddock, Lux, Peery, Cooper and Day)
Revising provisions relating to licensure of nursing.
House Committe on Health Care
Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 19, 1988; February 24, 1988
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.
Signed by Senators Deccio, Chairman; Kreidler, Niemi, West, Wojahn.
Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)
February 25, 1988
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 24, 1988
BACKGROUND:
The State Board of Nursing is required to approve nursing curricula, schools of nursing, and establish minimum education standards. The board may adopt regulations but is not authorized to issue advisory opinions in response to questions by professional groups and individuals. Provisions in the law allow registered nurses (RN's) from other states to gain licensure in this state by endorsement. Similar provisions in statute are unclear for licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
The board is required to establish proof of current knowledge and skills after a licensed nurse has not practiced for three years. Renewal of the license is dependent on the applicant completing the established requirements of continuing nursing education. Licensed nurses who wish to retire temporarily are required to submit a written notice to the director and are then placed on a non-practicing list. They are exempt from the payment of any renewal fees and are unable to practice nursing in this state.
Recent data indicate that the health care industry is facing a significant shortage of licensed nursing staff. The lack of nursing staff has resulted in critical understaffing of some medical/surgical specialties as well as shortages in certain geographical locations of the state.
SUMMARY:
The board is required to conduct a study which investigates the scope of all nursing education programs in the state. It is further directed to develop a model for articulation and career mobility and to provide support for innovative nursing education programs. The board will report to the legislature by January 1, 1989 with its findings and recommendations.
The Department of Licensing is directed to issue interim permits to allow applicants for licensure as practical nurses or advanced registered nurse practitioners. The permit is valid until the applicant receives notification of the results of the first licensing examination.
A practical or registered nurse licensed in another state may be issued a license in Washington through endorsement if the board has determined that the standards of the other state are equal to those of Washington.
The board may issue advisory opinions in response to questions from professional groups and individuals.
Applicants for licensure or license renewal must indicate whether their status is active or inactive upon payment of license fee. Nurses on inactive status for three years or more must provide evidence of current knowledge and skill to the board. Nurses on inactive status may not practice nursing.
The need for proof of continuing nursing education as a condition of nursing license renewal is repealed.
A conditional scholarship program for nurses is established. Students are eligible if they pursue degrees in practical nursing or associate, baccalaureate or graduate degrees in nursing. The program is administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board. The conditional scholarship is a loan that is forgiven, in whole or in part, if the recipient works up to five years in a geographic or medical specialty nurse shortage area.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:
The provision is deleted which directs the Department of Licensing to issue interim practice permits for practical nurses. The conditional scholarship program is removed. The remaining portions of the bill are unchanged.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: requested January 21, 1988
Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Bristow, Prime Sponsor (for); Glen Hudson, WHCA (for); Beverly Johnson, Seattle Area Hospital Council; Susan Johnson, SEIV (for); Robert Ball, WSNA (for)