FINAL BILL REPORT
SB 6119
C 212 L 88
BYSenators Barr and Wojahn
Revising certain procedures for persons applying to be licensed practical nurses.
Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections
House Committe on Health Care
SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED
BACKGROUND:
State statutes require individuals seeking licensure as a practical nurse to take the national competency examination. The examination is given two times a year in April and October. The majority of students who graduate from an accredited program in practical nursing do so in May or June. They must wait until October to take the competency examination and another 30 days for the test to be graded.
The delay in licensing practical nurses is of concern because of the state's nursing shortage.
SUMMARY:
The Licensed Practical Nurse Practice Act is amended to direct the Department of Licensing to issue interim permits authorizing applicants to practice pending notification of the results of the first licensing examination. If the applicant fails the first examination, the permit expires and is not renewable.
VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:
Senate 47 0
House 96 0
EFFECTIVE:April 1, 1988