SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5460

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Health & Long-Term Care, February 20, 2003

Title: An act relating to determination of disability for special parking privileges by advanced registered nurse practitioners.

Brief Description: Providing for determination of disability for special parking privileges by advanced registered nurse practitioners.

Sponsors: Senators Mulliken, Haugen, Horn and Kohl-Welles.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/11/03, 2/20/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chair; Winsley, Vice Chair; Brandland, Franklin, Keiser, Parlette and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Tanya Karwaki (786-7447)

Background: Currently, special parking privileges are granted to any person with a disability that limits the ability to walk and who meets other statutory criteria as determined by a licensed physician. The Department of Licensing allows chiropractors, naturopaths, physicians, podiatrists, and advanced registered nurse practitioners to determine those persons who qualify for special parking permits.

There is concern that current practice is not reflected in statute.

Summary of Bill: Advanced registered nurse practitioners are authorized to determine whether a patient qualifies for special parking privileges.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This is a good housekeeping bill. Advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) are an important part of the medical system. ARNPs have been signing for special parking permits for ten years pursuant to the administrative code. ARNPs should be included in the statute.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Ronald Young, ARNPs United of WA State (pro); Cherie R. Tessier (pro).