HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2648
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Health & Human Services Appropriations & Oversight
Title: An act relating to the additional surcharge imposed on registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
Brief Description: Removing the expiration for the additional surcharge imposed on registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Dickerson, Green and Kenney.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health & Human Services Appropriations & Oversight: 1/31/12, 2/2/12 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS & OVERSIGHT |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Dickerson, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Johnson, Ranking Minority Member; Cody, Green, Kagi, Pettigrew and Walsh.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Schmick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Harris and Overstreet.
Staff: Amy Skei (786-7109).
Background:
In 2006 legislation was enacted to establish a central nursing resource center (nursing center). The Department of Health, in consultation with the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, issues grants to the nursing center. The grants are supported by a surcharge of $5 on the licensing fees of registered and licensed practical nurses. The surcharge and the statutory authority for the program expire on June 30, 2013.
The nursing center conducts several activities related to the supply and demand for nurses in Washington, nursing programs, diversity in the nursing profession, patient safety, patient care, and the promotion of careers in nursing. The nursing center was to report to the Legislature on its activities by November 30, 2011, and the Department of Health must review the effectiveness of the program by June 30, 2012.
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Summary of Substitute Bill:
The expiration of the central nursing resource center surcharge applied to nursing license fees is removed.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill removes additional expiration language related to the nursing resource center surcharge and its use.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) There is a lot of work ahead to make sure there are enough nurses to care for the people in our state. Estimates show there will be a shortage of 12,000 nurses over the next two decades. Twenty three percent of nurse faculty are expected to retire in 2012. The work of the nursing resource center (nursing center) is important in recruitment and retention of nurses, nursing education, and the development of best practices for patient safety and patient care. The nursing center provides the data necessary to guide the nursing profession and public policy.
(Neutral) The nursing center has met all of its deliverables. There is a lot of work ahead, which this bill will make possible.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Cody, prime sponsor; Sharon Ness, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 141; and Sofia Aragon, Washington State Nurses Association.
(Neutral) Linda Tieman, Washington Center for Nursing.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.