HOUSE BILL REPORT
EHB 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. |
As Passed House:
January 27, 2012
Title: An act relating to improving the ability of licensed midwives to work with registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
Brief Description: Concerning licensed midwives ability to work with registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
Sponsors: Representatives Bailey, Cody, Schmick, Darneille, Ahern, Green, Kelley and Kenney.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 1/9/12, 1/16/12 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 1/27/12, 95-0.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Jinkins, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Hinkle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Clibborn, Green, Harris, Kelley, Moeller and Van De Wege.
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 licensed:
physician and surgeon;
dentist;
osteopathic physician and surgeon;
podiatric physician and surgeon;
physician assistant;
osteopathic physician assistant; or
advanced registered nurse practitioner.
A registered nurse may administer medications, treatments, tests, and inoculations, if within his or her scope of practice, at the direction of a licensed:
physician and surgeon;
dentist;
osteopathic physician and surgeon;
naturopathic physician;
optometrist;
podiatric physician and surgeon;
physician assistant;
osteopathic physician assistant; or
advanced registered nurse practitioner.
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:
physician and surgeon;
dentist;
osteopathic physician and surgeon;
physician assistant;
osteopathic physician assistant;
podiatric physician and surgeon;
advanced registered nurse practitioner; or
registered nurse.
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 a licensed:
physician and surgeon;
osteopathic physician and surgeon;
dentist;
naturopathic physician;
podiatric physician and surgeon;
physician assistant;
osteopathic physician assistant; or
advanced registered nurse practitioner.
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 Engrossed Bill:
Registered Nurses.
A registered nurse may execute a medical regimen as directed 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: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill is an element of the health care system that must be taken seriously. The bill removes barriers to licensed midwives obtaining hospital privileges, removes barriers to nurses working in birthing centers or in home births, and removes barriers to licensed midwives working in federally qualified health centers. This bill does not expand the scope of practice of licensed midwives.
(With concerns) This bill should be amended to clarify that midwives must be licensed.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Bailey, prime sponsor; and Amber Ulvenes and Audrey Levine, Midwives' Association of Washington State.
(With concerns) Katie Kolan, Washington State Medical Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.