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ENGROSSED SENATE BILL NO. 6119
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C 212 L 88
State of Washington 50th Legislature 1988 Regular Session
By Senators Barr and Wojahn
Prefiled with Secretary of the Senate 1/8/88. Read first time 1/11/88 and referred to Committee on Health Care & Corrections.
AN ACT Relating to interim permits and examinations for persons applying to be licensed practical nurses; amending RCW 18.78.060; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
Sec. 1. Section 6, chapter 222, Laws of 1949 as last amended by section 8, chapter 55, Laws of 1983 and RCW 18.78.060 are each amended to read as follows:
An applicant for a license to practice nursing as a licensed practical nurse shall submit to the board written evidence, on a form provided by the board, verified under oath, that the applicant:
(1) Is at least eighteen years of age;
(2) Is of good moral character;
(3) Is of good physical and mental health;
(4) Has completed at least a tenth grade course or its equivalent, as determined by the board;
(5) Has completed an approved program of not less than nine months for the education of practical nurses, or its equivalent, as determined by the board.
To be licensed as a practical nurse, each applicant shall be required to pass an examination in such subjects as the board may determine within the scope of and commensurate with the work to be performed by a licensed practical nurse. Upon approval by the board, the department shall issue an interim permit authorizing the applicant to practice nursing as authorized under this chapter pending notification of the results of the first licensing examination following verification of satisfactory completion of an approved program of practical nursing. Any applicant failing to pass such an examination may apply for reexamination. If the applicant fails the examination, the interim permit expires upon notification and is not renewable. Upon passing such examination as determined by the board, the director shall issue to the applicant a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse, providing the license fee is paid by the applicant and the applicant meets all other requirements of the board.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect April 1, 1988. The director of licensing may immediately take such steps as are necessary to ensure that this act is implemented on its effective date.