Session: State Capitol, Room 409 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Toll Free: (800) 686-3824 Phone: (907) 465-3824 Fax: (907) 465-3175 Interim: PO Box 109 Wrangell, AK 99929 Toll Free: (800) 686-3824 Phone: (907) 874-3088 Fax: (907) 874-3055 Petersburg Phone: (907) 772-3829 Sitka Phone: (907) 747-4665

House Passes Rep. Wilson's Nursing Bill
HB 276 Revises, Updates Statutes to Match Practices

(JUNEAU) - The House passed legislation Monday to bring state law regulating professional nursing practices into line with common standards regarding delegation of authority for certain nursing duties to unlicensed personnel.

"The changes in HB 276 will allow specific statutory authority for nurses to delegate the delivery of safe and effective health care to the citizens of Alaska," said Rep. Peggy Wilson (R-Wrangell), who is a registered nurse with almost 30 years' experience in the health care industry.

HB 276 brings nursing statutes up to date with current nursing practice in three areas. First, it would give licensed or practical nurses the authority to delegate nursing duties to unlicensed aides or technicians, and give the Board of Nursing authority to promulgate regulations outlining safe delegation practices to ensure safety of the patients.

"Delegation by licensed nurses of specific nursing tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) has always been a part of nursing practice," Wilson said. "The health care deliver system that includes public health, Indian Health, hospitals, clinics and community nursing facilities will continue to use UAPs. This bill will make sure it is done safely and according to clear standards."

Second, HB 276 would extend the term of a temporary nursing license from four months to six months, to allow sufficient time for the criminal background checks required under new regulations before a nurse licensed in one state may earn a license by endorsement in Alaska.

Finally, the bill would make technical changes in the state law defining how Alaska will issue nursing licenses by endorsement to nurses who have been practicing in other states for the last five years.

HB 276 passed the House unanimously, and moves next to the Senate for consideration.

# # #

Attachments:

• Print Friendly Version
  requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 13 K

| Rep. Wilson's Page |

| Top | Home | Site Search | Breaking News | Legislators | Bills |
| Committees | E-Newsletter | Surveys | Research | Help |

The Official Web Site of the House and Senate Legislative Majorities
for the 22nd Alaska State Legislature
To Report Technical Problems or Contact Webmasters