Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
SHB 1790
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: Clarifying the authority of a nurse working in a school setting.
Sponsors: House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Springer, Muri, Ortiz-Self and Reykdal).
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/19/16
Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).
Background:
Students attend school with a broad range of health conditions. These range from potentially life-threatening acute and chronic conditions to correctable vision problems. Before a child is allowed to attend public school, the school must receive a medication or treatment order addressing any life threatening health condition that the child has that may require medical services to be performed at the school.
The scope of practice and training for nursing is regulated through a tiered licensure system, with licensed practical nurses (LPN) having the least amount of training and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNP) having the most training. The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) recommends that, at a minimum, a school nurse should be licensed as a registered nurse (RN).
In addition, NASN recommends that a school nurse be clinically supervised and evaluated by a RN knowledgeable about the scope and standards of practice for school nursing. Many of the duties of a school nurse must be carried out by a RN or ARNP, such as consulting and coordinating with students' parents and health care providers, and training and supervising the appropriate school district personnel in proper procedures to ensure a safe, therapeutic learning environment.
In a first class school district (2000 or more enrolled students), a school nurse must hold an Education Staff Associate certificate. The knowledge and skills acquired through the certification process are over and above the knowledge and skills required for licensure as a RN.
Summary of Bill:
Only a RN or an ARNP may supervise, direct, or evaluate a licensed nurse working in a school setting with respect to the practice of nursing.
This does not:
prohibit a non-nurse supervisor from supervising, directing, or evaluating with respect to other matters;
require a RN or ARNP to be clinically supervised; or
prohibit a non-nurse supervisor from conferring with the nurse regarding the practice of nursing.
The practice of nursing is defined as registered nursing practice, advanced registered nursing practice, and licensed practical nursing, including the administration of medication pursuant to a medication or treatment order and the decision to summon emergency medical assistance. Such practice also encompasses compliance with any state or federal statute, or administrative rule specifically regulating licensed nurses, including any statute or rule defining or establishing standards of patient care, professional conduct, or practice.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.