HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5412

BYSenators Talmadge and Newhouse

Extending nurse/patient privilege to registered nurses carrying out treatment prescribed by osteopathic physicians.

House Committe on Judiciary

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (15)

      Signed by Representatives Armstrong, Chair; Crane, Vice Chair; Appelwick, Hargrove, Heavey, P. King, Locke, Moyer, Niemi, Padden, Patrick, Schmidt, Scott, Wang and Wineberry.

House Staff:Bill Perry (786-7123)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 14, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1985 the legislature created the nurse-patient privilege which provides generally that registered nurses may not be examined in a civil or criminal action as to information acquired in attending a patient.

Registered nurses who work for an osteopathic physician are not specifically covered by the statute.

SUMMARY:

The nurse-patient privilege applies to registered nurses who work for an osteopathic physician.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Eileen Sullivan, Washington Osteopathic Medical Association.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The bill merely clarifies current law.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.