Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1721
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 obtaining required clinical experience for licensed practical nurses who complete a nontraditional registered nurse program.
Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Haler, Muri, Goodman and Jinkins; by request of Department of Health and Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/10/17
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
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:
the observation, assessment, diagnosis, care or counsel, and health teaching of individuals with illnesses, injuries, or disabilities, or in the maintenance of health or prevention of illness in others;
the performance of acts requiring education and training that are recognized by the medical and nursing professions as proper and that are authorized by the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC);
the administration, supervision, delegation, and evaluation of nursing practice;
the teaching of nursing; or
the execution of medical regimen as prescribed by certain health care professionals.
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 selected providers, including physicians, midwives, and registered nurses.
To be licensed as a registered nurse, an applicant must complete an education approved by the NCQAC and pass an exam. Registered nursing education programs normally include a clinical experience component, but a "nontraditional" registered nursing education program does not include such a component. A licensed practical nurse who completes a nontraditional nursing education program may obtain required clinical experience by completing a preceptorship within six months of graduation. The experience must be obtained under the supervision of a registered nurse under the registered nurse's license. The registered nurse must have an unrestricted license with at least two years of clinical practice in the practice setting where the preceptorship will occur.
Summary of Bill:
The authority for a licensed practical nurse who has completed a nontraditional registered nursing education program to obtain required clinical experience through a preceptorship is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.