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WashingtonHB 21552025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning the use of nursing titles.

Sponsored By: Edwin Obras (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Washington limits use of nursing titles

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington bars unauthorized people and nonhuman entities from claiming protected nursing titles or credentials. These include nurse, registered nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, nurse practitioner, and licensed practical nurse, plus their abbreviations. People must hold the required Washington license, or a valid multistate license where allowed, to practice or offer nursing services. People listed as Christian Science nurses in the Christian Science Journal can use the title “Christian Science nurse.” They cannot claim to be licensed nurses without legal authorization. On June 30, 2027, the first version expires and replacement protections take effect, using “advanced practice registered nurse” terminology.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Edwin Obras

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Janice Zahn

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Mia Gregerson

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Macri

    Democratic • House

  • Osman Salahuddin

    Democratic • House

  • Sam Low

    Republican • House

  • Sharon Tomiko Santos

    Democratic • House

  • Shelley Kloba

    Democratic • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 133 • No: 10

Senate vote • 2/26/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 46 • No: 2 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/11/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 87 • No: 8 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026*.

    3/9/2026House

  2. Chapter 6, 2026 Laws.

    3/9/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/9/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/3/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    2/28/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    2/28/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    2/26/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/26/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/24/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/20/2026House

  11. HLTC - Majority; do pass.

    2/19/2026House

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

    2/13/2026House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 87; nays, 8; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    2/11/2026House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/11/2026House

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

    2/6/2026House

  16. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/3/2026House

  17. Minority; without recommendation.

    1/30/2026House

  18. HCW - Majority; do pass.

    1/30/2026House

  19. HCW - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/30/2026House

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

    1/12/2026House

  21. Prefiled for introduction.

    12/16/2025House

Bill Text

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