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WashingtonSB 50512025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Consolidating regulatory authority for nursing assistants.

Sponsored By: Jessica Bateman (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

New makeup of the state nursing board

The state nursing board has 17 members. Seats include seven RNs, two APRNs, two LPNs, two certified nursing assistants, one RN or LPN educator or program director for CNA training, and three public members. Members serve four‑year terms, must live in Washington, and no one may serve more than two consecutive full terms. RN seats include at least one four‑year university faculty, one two‑year college faculty, at least two staff nurses, and at least one nurse manager or executive.

One board runs nursing assistant credentials

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Washington State Board of Nursing controls nursing assistant education, exams, and credentials. It approves training programs, sets competency tests, and issues certificates and medication endorsements. The Secretary of Health still sets application and renewal fees, which go to the health professions account. Staff who run these functions are hired and managed by the board’s executive director. Existing union agreements stay in place.

No more skipping the nursing assistant exam

Starting July 1, 2026, the law repeals the exam waiver for initial nursing assistant applications. New applicants must complete required training and pass the competency evaluation, or use a board‑approved alternative evaluation. This adds steps some applicants used to skip.

Standard discipline rules for nursing assistants

Beginning July 1, 2026, nursing assistants and medication assistants fall under the Uniform Disciplinary Act. The state nursing board is the disciplining authority. If you are a CNA working in long‑term care, the board handles complaints and discipline. Home care aides remain under the Department of Health.

When the new nursing assistant rules start

Most sections take effect July 1, 2026. Section 1 ends June 30, 2027. Section 2 takes effect June 30, 2027.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jessica Bateman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Annette Cleveland

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Wellman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Marcus Riccelli

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 147 • No: 0

House vote • 3/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 98 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/7/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/1/2026*.

    4/4/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 5, 2025 Laws.

    4/4/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    4/4/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/1/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/31/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/28/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 98; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/26/2025Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/26/2025Senate

  9. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    3/25/2025Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/20/2025Senate

  11. HCW - Majority; do pass.

    3/18/2025Senate

  12. HCW - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/18/2025Senate

  13. First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

    2/11/2025Senate

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    2/7/2025Senate

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/7/2025Senate

  16. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    1/29/2025Senate

  17. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    1/27/2025Senate

  18. HLTC - Majority; do pass.

    1/24/2025Senate

  19. First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

    1/13/2025Senate

  20. Introduced

    1/13/2025Senate

Bill Text

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