FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6119

                                  C 212 L 88

BYSenators Barr and Wojahn

Revising certain procedures for persons applying to be licensed practical nurses.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

House Committe on Health Care

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

State statutes require individuals seeking licensure as a practical nurse to take the national competency examination.  The examination is given two times a year in April and October.  The majority of students who graduate from an accredited program in practical nursing do so in May or June.  They must wait until October to take the competency examination and another 30 days for the test to be graded.

The delay in licensing practical nurses is of concern because of the state's nursing shortage. 

SUMMARY:

The Licensed Practical Nurse Practice Act is amended to direct the Department of Licensing to issue interim permits authorizing applicants to practice pending notification of the results of the first licensing examination.  If the applicant fails the first examination, the permit expires and is not renewable.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    47     0

      House 96   0

EFFECTIVE:April 1, 1988