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WashingtonSB 50512025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Consolidating regulatory authority for nursing assistants.

Sponsored By: Jessica Bateman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Nursing assistants gain long-term care work options

Beginning July 1, 2026, nursing assistants can also work as long-term care workers when authorized by RCW 18.88B.041(1)(a) or (b). This adds to their ability to provide delegated care under a registered or licensed practical nurse’s direction and supervision. The law does not set a wage increase.

Nursing assistant applicants lose an exam waiver

Beginning July 1, 2026, initial nursing assistant applicants can no longer rely on the repealed statutory examination waiver. This repeal does not specify exam costs or resolve whether other exam exceptions apply.

Nursing assistants gain board representation and oversight

Beginning July 1, 2026, Washington’s Board of Nursing oversees nursing assistant credentials, medication endorsements, records, training decisions, tests, and discipline. This includes alternative and military training reviews, extra training for delegated tasks, and discipline of assistants working in long-term care. The 17-member board includes seven registered nurses, two advanced practice nurses, two licensed practical nurses, and two certified nursing assistants. It also includes three public members and one registered or practical nurse who directs or teaches an approved nursing assistant program. All members must live in Washington and serve four-year terms, with a two-term limit. Nursing assistant members must be currently employed, licensed, and have at least two years of experience. Other nurse members need at least three years of active practice and recent engagement. Public members cannot serve on other health licensing boards or hold material financial interests in regulated health services. The secretary still sets and collects credential fees and hires staff; the board’s executive director manages those staff. The transfer itself sets no new fee amounts or eligibility changes. A related board amendment takes effect June 30, 2027.

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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