SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6212

BYSenators Smith and West

Revising provisions on activities of student nurses.

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 30, 1990

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

AS OF JANUARY 26, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Registered Nurse Practice Act (Chapter 18.88 RCW) allows nursing students enrolled in approved schools to practice nursing incidental to their course study.  It also allows nursing students to serve as nursing aides.  Other statutes permit student nurses to administer medications.  Because of the nursing shortage, and the high demand for nursing staff, nursing aides are an increasingly important staff resource to facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals.  Given the possible limited amount of overall staffing in these facilities, some concern exists regarding the adequate supervision of nursing aides.

SUMMARY:

Students nurses are made subject to the Uniform Disciplinary Act.  The Board of Nursing is granted statutory authority to regulate their supervision.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 8, 1990