Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 2186

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning licensed midwives ability to work with registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.

Sponsors: Representatives Bailey, Cody, Schmick, Darneille and Ahern.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to perform certain tasks at the direction of a licensed midwife.

Hearing Date: 1/9/12

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

Registered Nurses.

A registered nurse is a person who performs acts requiring substantial specialized knowledge, judgment, and skill based on the principles of the biological, physiological, behavioral, and sociological sciences in a variety of areas, including the execution of medical regimen as prescribed by:

A registered nurse may administer medications, treatments, tests, and inoculations, if within his or her scope of practice, at the direction of:

Licensed Practical Nurses.

A licensed practical nurse is a person who performs services requiring the knowledge, skill and judgment necessary for carrying out selected aspects of the designated nursing regimen under the direction and supervision of:

A licensed practical nurse may administer drugs, medications, treatments, tests, injections, and inoculations at the direction and under the supervision of a registered nurse or at the direction of:

Midwives.

A licensed midwife renders medical care for compensation to a woman during prenatal, intrapartum, and post-partum stages. A licensed midwife must consult with a physician when there are significant deviations from normal in either the mother or the infant.

Summary of Bill:

Registered Nurses.

A registered nurse may execute a medical regimen as prescribed by a licensed midwife. A registered nurse may also administer medications, treatments, tests, and inoculations, at the direction of a licensed midwife.

Licensed Practical Nurses.

A licensed practical nurse may practice under the direction of a licensed midwife. A licensed practical nurse may also administer drugs, medications, treatments, tests, injections, and inoculations at the direction of a licensed midwife.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 4, 2012.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.