OLYMPIA, WA — Legislation sponsored by Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, that seeks to address staffing challenges during rural ambulance transports has passed the Washington State House of Representatives with bipartisan support.

House Bill 2110 is designed to help rural and critical access hospitals safely transfer critically ill patients between medical facilities when staffing shortages delay transport. The bill allows a registered nurse who does not hold emergency medical technician certification to provide patient care during an interfacility specialty care transport, under limited circumstances.

According to the bill, an EMT must still be present in the ambulance, and the registered nurse must have appropriate training related to the patient’s condition. The nurse must also work within the registered nurse scope of practice and under the direction of either the sending or receiving physician.

Schmick said the legislation was developed in response to concerns raised by critical access hospitals across rural Washington, where long distances, limited staffing, and weather conditions can complicate patient transfers.

The bill aims to provide flexibility while maintaining safety standards when paramedics or EMT-certified nurses are unavailable, supporters say.

House Bill 2110 now moves to the Washington State Senate for further consideration.