Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Health Care & Wellness Committee
HB 1123
Brief Description: Concerning the authority of the nursing care quality assurance commission.
Sponsors: Representative Cody.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Repeals the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission's authority to hire its own executive director, propose its own budget, collaborate with the Secretary of Health when setting fees and uniform rules, develop performance measures, and communicate with the Legislature.
  • Restores the Secretary of Health's authority to appoint the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission's executive director, hire staff, and set compensation.
Hearing Date: 1/27/21
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:

In 2008 the authority of the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) was temporarily expanded to include:

  • hiring its own executive director;
  • proposing its own biennial budget;
  • collaborating with the Secretary of Health (Secretary) when he or she adopts credentialing fees;
  • consulting with the Secretary when he or she adopts uniform rules that nay negatively impact the NCQAC's ability to carry out its duties; and
  • developing performance measures related to the consistent, timely regulation of health care professionals.

 
In 2013 the temporary authority of the NCQAC was made permanent.  In addition, the NCQAC and its members and staff were allowed to communicate with, present information to, or testify before legislative committees or educate the Legislature as the NCQAC sees fit.
Summary of Bill:

The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission's (NCQAC's) authority to hire its own executive director, propose its own budget, collaborate with the Secretary of Health when setting fees and uniform rules, develop performance measures, and communicate with the Legislature is repealed.
 
The Secretary of Health is given the authority to:

  • appoint the executive director of the NCQAC, in consultation with the NCQAC;
  • employ staff to administer the NCQAC's responsibilities; and
  • fix the compensation of the executive director and staff.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 22, 2021.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.