SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5794
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Health & Long‑Term Care, February 27, 2001
Title: An act relating to medical reports in guardianship proceedings by advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Brief Description: Allowing medical reports in guardianship proceedings by advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Sponsors: Senators Thibaudeau, Deccio, Fairley and Costa.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long‑Term Care: 2/19/01, 2/27/01 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5794 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Franklin, Vice Chair; Costa, Deccio, Fraser, Parlette and Winsley.
Staff: Joan K. Mell (786‑7447)
Background: In cases where an individual's capacity to make decisions regarding his or her best interests is questioned, the court must obtain a written report from a physician licensed to practice in this state, or certified psychologist assessing the individual's capacity. This report is presented to the court to assist the court in making its determination regarding the appointment of a guardian and the scope of the guardian's duties.
Advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) are licensed by the Department of Health. ARNPs are registered nurses who are authorized to perform an expanded role in the delivery of health services by the medical and nursing profession and pursuant to rules established by the state Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. ARNPs have prescriptive authority for certain medications under specified conditions.
Summary of Substitute Bill: An advanced registered nurse practitioner is authorized to prepare the written report to the court for the court's consideration in appointing a guardian.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: Technical corrections are made.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: An advanced registered nurse practitioner is in a better position to state the condition of a patient when a physician has not had contact with the patient. Cost savings are achieved from avoiding duplicate provider contacts.
Testimony Against: None.
Testified: Sally Prunly, ARRP (pro); Jerri Henry, ARNPs United of WA State (pro).