FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5412

                                  C 198 L 87

BYSenators Talmadge and Newhouse

Extending nurse/patient privilege to registered nurses carrying out treatment prescribed by osteopathic physicians.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

House Committe on Judiciary

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1985 the Legislature created the nurse-patient privilege which provides generally that registered nurses may not be examined in a civil or criminal action as to information acquired in attending a patient.

The rationale for the existence of the privilege is to encourage full disclosure of health problems to the nurse and physician, while still protecting the privacy of the patient.

Registered nurses who work for an osteopathic physician are not specifically covered by the statute.

SUMMARY:

The nurse-patient privilege applies to registered nurses who work for an osteopathic physician.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    46     0

      House 92   0

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987