SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1369
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 of March 20, 2015
Title: An act relating to enabling student volunteers to provide health care services.
Brief Description: Enabling student volunteers to provide health care services.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Riccelli, Schmick, Robinson, Parker, Holy, Haler, Tharinger, Cody and Ormsby).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/02/15, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Health Care: 3/19/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)
Background: Practice of Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy by Students. Students enrolled in a school of medicine that is approved and accredited by the Medical Commission may practice medicine pursuant to their coursework or under the supervision and control of a licensed physician. Students enrolled in a school of osteopathic medicine and surgery that is accredited and approved by the Osteopathic Board may practice pursuant to their coursework and under the supervision of a licensed osteopathic physician. Nursing students enrolled in approved schools may practice registered nursing or advanced registered nursing so long as it is incidental to their course of study. Pharmacy students must apply for registration as a pharmacy intern to obtain pharmacy internship experience.
Summary of Bill: A pharmacy student registered as a pharmacy intern may practice pharmacy, a nursing student may practice registered nursing or advanced registered nursing, an allopathic medical student may practice medicine, and an osteopathic medical student may practice osteopathic medicine if:
the student is enrolled in an education program approved by the Pharmacy Commission, the Nursing Commission, the Medical Commission, or the Osteopathic Board, respectively;
the student performs the services without compensation or expectation of compensation as part of a volunteer activity;
the student is under the direct supervision and control of a licensed pharmacist, licensed allopathic or osteopathic physician, registered nurse, or advanced registered nurse practitioner;
the services are within the scope of practice of both the person supervising the student and the profession for which the student is receiving training;
the student, supervisor, and organization for which the student is volunteering enter into a written agreement defining the timeframe for the volunteer activity and the specific tasks the student may perform; and
the student's school verifies in writing that the student has demonstrated competency through the student's education and training to perform the tasks defined in the written agreement.
The Pharmacy Commission, Nursing Commission, Medical Commission, and Osteopathic Board may adopt rules to implement these requirements.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is a simple change to make it easier for students to offer voluntary care. Students can already practice in these settings, but this bill just says a practitioner with an overlapping scope of practice can supervise the student. This would allow students to work with other students in other health sciences fields.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Riccelli, prime sponsor; Chris Mulick, WA State University.
Persons Signed in to Testify But Not Testifying: No one.