This bill amends existing laws regarding the delegation of tasks by licensed midwives to include medical assistants and international board-certified lactation consultants. Specifically, it allows licensed midwives to delegate selected acts, tasks, or procedures that fall within the education and scope of practice of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, medical assistants, and lactation consultants. Additionally, the definitions of "health care practitioner" are updated to explicitly include midwives, thereby clarifying their role within the healthcare system.
Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for the supervision of medical assistants during telemedicine visits, allowing health care practitioners to supervise these assistants through interactive audio and video technology. The bill also establishes an expiration date for certain sections, set for June 30, 2027, and specifies that other sections will take effect on the same date. This legislative change aims to enhance the collaborative practice among healthcare providers and improve patient care delivery.
Statutes affected: Original bill: 18.50.160, 18.360.010