All Roll Calls
Yes: 143 • No: 3
WashingtonHB 23392025-2026 Regular SessionHouse
Concerning the regulation of nursing.
Sponsored By: Tarra Simmons (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Limited drug authority for nurse anesthetists
Beginning June 11, 2026, qualifying nurse anesthetists may select, order, or give Schedule II–IV controlled drugs for direct anesthesia use. This exception covers those who had not obtained prescribing authority before July 1, 2026. Drugs must be directly given for diagnostic, operative, obstetrical, or therapeutic procedures in hospitals, clinics, surgical facilities, or practitioner offices. Board-approved practice limits, facility protocols, and an authorized practitioner's request remain required. Beginning June 30, 2027, the replacement rule continues this authority for board-approved nurse anesthetists. Requests must come from a licensed physician, osteopathic physician and surgeon, dentist, or podiatric physician and surgeon.
Protected titles and recognition for advanced nurses
Beginning June 11, 2026, licensed advanced nurses may use protected professional titles and abbreviations; others cannot claim those credentials. The general title is “advanced registered nurse practitioner,” abbreviated “A.R.N.P.” Beginning June 30, 2027, it becomes “advanced practice registered nurse,” abbreviated “A.P.R.N.” Nurses may publicly use matching credentials: certified nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or certified clinical nurse specialist. Also beginning June 30, 2027, advanced practice levels are recognized by the nursing profession, as defined by the nursing board. This replaces joint recognition by the medical and nursing professions; the parallel temporary amendment expires that day.
Temporary practice permits for nursing applicants
Beginning June 11, 2026, the nursing board may issue interim permits while applicants await exam results. Permits cover registered, advanced registered, or practical nursing after completion of the required school or training program is verified. A permit cannot be renewed and ends when the applicant receives notice of an exam failure. Applicants who pass and meet the board's other licensing requirements must receive a Department of Health license. Permit holders remain subject to Washington's health-professional discipline law.
New paperwork rules for nursing applicants
Beginning June 30, 2026, registered, advanced registered, and practical nursing applicants must submit an application they certify is accurate. Board-required official records replace the previous specified transcript requirement. Practical nurse applicants must also provide official written proof that they are over age 18. Applicants must not be violating Washington's nursing or health-professional discipline laws when they apply. The nursing board must set rules for evaluating applicants' education.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Tarra Simmons
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Nicole Macri
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/5/2026
3rd Reading & Final Passage
Yes: 49 • No: 0
House vote • 2/16/2026
3rd Reading & Final Passage
Yes: 94 • No: 3 • Other: 1
Actions Timeline
Effective date 6/11/2026*.
3/23/2026HouseChapter 139, 2026 Laws.
3/23/2026HouseGovernor signed.
3/23/2026legislatureDelivered to Governor.
3/10/2026legislaturePresident signed.
3/9/2026legislatureSpeaker signed.
3/6/2026legislatureThird reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
3/5/2026HouseRules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
3/5/2026HousePlaced on second reading by Rules Committee.
3/3/2026HousePassed to Rules Committee for second reading.
2/25/2026HouseMinority; do not pass.
2/24/2026HouseHLTC - Majority; do pass.
2/24/2026HouseFirst reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.
2/18/2026HouseThird reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 1.
2/16/2026HouseRules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
2/16/2026House1st substitute bill substituted.
2/16/2026HouseRules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
2/14/2026HouseReferred to Rules 2 Review.
1/27/2026HouseHCW - Executive action taken by committee.
1/23/2026HouseHCW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
1/23/2026HouseFirst reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.
1/12/2026HousePrefiled for introduction.
1/8/2026House
Bill Text
Session Law
3/25/2026
Bill as Passed Legislature
3/11/2026
Substitute Bill
1/27/2026
Original Bill
1/12/2026
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