The bill seeks to enhance the representation of tribal members on local boards of health in Washington State by amending the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). It stipulates that if a federally recognized Indian tribe has reservation or trust lands, or if a 501(c)(3) organization serving American Indian and Alaska Native populations operates within a county, the local board of health must include a tribal representative from each tribe and organization. Additionally, the bill requires that the American Indian health commission be notified of these appointments. The bill also replaces the term "nurse practitioners" with "advanced practice registered nurses" and maintains the requirement that board members must not be elected officials, ensuring diversity and representation from historically marginalized communities.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the composition and selection process for district health boards, emphasizing the inclusion of diverse members from specified categories, including public health professionals and consumers who have faced health inequities. It mandates that the selection of these members be approved by a majority vote of the county commissioners and ensures that the number of members from the specified categories equals the number of elected officials on the board. Key changes include the insertion of "practice" in the designation of advanced practice registered nurses and the requirement for tribal representatives, along with the stipulation that decisions regarding permit and licensing fees can only be made by elected officials. Overall, the bill aims to improve the effectiveness of local health boards by ensuring they better reflect the communities they serve.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.05.030, 70.05.035, 70.46.020, 70.46.031