Knowledge Is Power

As anyone who has played a sport will tell you, it is critical to know the rules of the game. Healthcare is no different. Often we encounter uneducated people that tell us "Nurse Practitioners can't do that." Prove your case by providing your opponent with the law.

Here is a list of important laws for Washington State NPs.

WAC 246-840-300
This law provides the NP scope of practice.

RCW 48.44.299
This law requires "parity reimbursement for the same health care services."

WAC 284-44-045
Patients must be allowed to choose a nurse for services.

WAC 296-23-241
This law states that ARNPs may "independently perform the functions of an attending physician under the Industrial Insurance Act, with the exception of rating permanent impairment." This ia a temporary ruling as the result of ARNPs United passing SHB 1691 in 2004. It is due to expire June 30th 2007.

WAC 296-23-240
This is the law we are trying to change this year that states that NPs can treat L&I patients and bill L&I for their services, however they are not allowed to sign the initial accident report form or the time loss cards.

WAC 246-840-830
Determination and pronouncement of death by a licensed registered nurse.