On June 6, six bills WSHA supported or tracked during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect. These bills aim to advance and increase the Washington State health care workforce. They are as follows:
- SHB 2355 adds MRI technologists to the list of professions that may be certified as a radiologic technologists. Prior to the enactment of this bill, MRI techs with only MRI training and certification were required to receive training and obtain certification as a radiologic technologist to continue working as an MRI tech. This establishes a primary certification process for MRI technologists and removes the unnecessary need for duplicative certification.
- SB 5184 creates a new licensure type for anesthesiologist assistants.
- HB 2416 changes the title of advanced registered nurse practitioner to advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to be more consistent with the rest of the country.
- SB 6286 establishes a grant program to precept more nurse anesthesia residents and directs the Center for Health Workforce Studies at the University of Washington to study workforce shortages in anesthesia care.
- HB 1939 establishes the Social Work Licensure Compact.
- HB 1917 establishes the Physician Assistant Compact.
To learn more about new laws that will be going into effect, please visit WSHA’s New Law Implementation Guide. (Katerina LaMarche)
