SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5412

BYSenators Talmadge and Newhouse

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

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 10, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Halsan, Vice Chairman; Bottiger, McCaslin, Nelson, Newhouse.

Senate Staff:Dick Armstrong (786-7460)

                  February 27, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 27, 1987

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.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Eileen Sullivan, Osteopathic Association