SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1253

BYRepresentatives Prentice, G. Fisher, Wood, Rasmussen, Day, Leonard and Wineberry;by request of Department of Licensing

Changing provisions regarding nursing assistants.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 16, 1989; March 22, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, Kreidler, Niemi, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  March 23, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, MARCH 22, 1989

BACKGROUND:

State law requires nursing assistants to complete at least 75 hours of training within six months of employment in a nursing home.  Federal law enacted in 1987 requires that nursing assistants complete a nursing assistant training program within four months of employment.

The Board of Nursing is required by state law to develop curriculum standards by rule and approve nursing assistant training programs.  However, state law requires at least 25 classroom hours in specified subjects and 50 hours of on-the-job clinical practice.

SUMMARY:

A nursing assistant must complete a nursing assistant training program within four months.

The number of classroom hours in specified subjects and clinical training hours required by state law is repealed.  The Board of Nursing is authorized to determine curriculum standards by rule.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested March 7, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Chris Rose, Department of Licensing (pro)