HB 2711-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/13/04)

Provides that, in addition to the licensing fee for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW, the department shall impose an additional surcharge of five dollars per year on all initial licenses and renewal licenses for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses issued under this chapter. Advanced registered nurse practitioners are only required to pay the surcharge on their registered nurse licenses.

Directs the department, in consultation with the commission, to use the proceeds from the surcharge to contract with a central nursing resource center to conduct the following activities: (1) Maintain information on the current and projected supply and demand of nurses through the collection and analysis of data regarding the nursing work force including but not limited to education level, race and ethnicity, employment settings, and nursing positions. This data collection and analysis shall complement other state activities to produce data on the nursing work force;

(2) Facilitate partnership between the nursing community and other health care providers, business and industry, consumers, legislators, and educators to achieve policy consensus, promote diversity within the profession, and enhance nursing career mobility and nursing leadership development;

(3) Evaluate the effectiveness of nursing education and articulation among programs to increase access to nursing education and enhance career mobility, especially for populations that are underrepresented in the nursing profession;

(4) Provide consultation, technical assistance, data, and information related to Washington state and national nursing resources;

(5) Promote initiatives to ensure a safe, healthy, and respectful workplace environment for nurses; and

(6) Promote a positive image of the nursing profession and educate the public including students in K-12 about careers in nursing.