Legislation sponsored by Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, that helps rural and critical access hospitals safely move critically ill patients between facilities has passed the Washington State House of Representatives with bipartisan support.
House Bill 2110 addresses a staffing challenge facing rural hospitals and ambulance services by allowing a registered nurse without emergency medical technician certification to provide patient care during an interfacility specialty care transport when no paramedic or EMT-certified nurse is available.
“This bill came directly from our critical access hospitals,” Schmick said. “In rural Washington, delays in patient transport can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. My bill gives hospitals and ambulance services a safe, commonsense option when staffing shortages would otherwise leave patients waiting.”
Under the bill, a registered nurse without EMT certification may assist during an interfacility specialty care transport only when specific safeguards are met. An EMT must be present in the ambulance; the nurse must have appropriate competencies for the patient’s condition; and the nurse must work within the registered nurse scope of practice under the direction of the sending or receiving physician.
Schmick’s bill is especially important for rural communities, where long distances, limited staffing, and seasonal weather conditions can make it difficult or impossible to rely on outside ambulance services or air transport.
“This is about flexibility without compromising safety,” Schmick said. “It ensures patients get the care they need while recognizing the realities facing rural hospitals and emergency services.”
HB 2110 passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
