The bill seeks to consolidate and enhance the regulatory framework for nursing assistants and medication assistants in Washington State by amending various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). A significant change is the establishment of a new "board of nursing," which will consist of 17 members appointed by the governor, replacing the previous nursing care quality assurance commission. The board's composition will include a diverse group of healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and public members, with specified qualifications for each category. The bill also introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding the roles of certified and registered nursing assistants, and grants the board authority to set education requirements, approve training programs, and manage certification processes.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a medication assistant endorsement for nursing assistants who meet specific training and competency requirements, while also delegating certain disciplinary functions to board staff. It updates the language throughout to replace references to the "secretary" and "commission" with "board," reflecting the new governance structure. The bill also repeals outdated provisions, including RCW 18.88A.100 regarding examination waivers, and establishes a timeline for implementation, with most sections taking effect on July 1, 2026, and one section expiring on June 30, 2027. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline oversight and ensure that qualified individuals are serving in critical healthcare roles.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.79.070, 18.88A.020, 18.88A.030, 18.88A.040, 18.88A.082, 18.88A.060, 18.88A.080, 18.88A.085, 18.88A.087, 18.88A.088, 18.88A.090, 18.88A.110, 18.88A.120, 43.70.250, 18.88A.210, 18.88B.060, 18.88A.100
Bill as Passed Legislature: 18.79.070, 18.88A.020, 18.88A.030, 18.88A.040, 18.88A.082, 18.88A.060, 18.88A.080, 18.88A.085, 18.88A.087, 18.88A.088, 18.88A.090, 18.88A.110, 18.88A.120, 43.70.250, 18.88A.210, 18.88B.060, 18.88A.100
Session Law: 18.79.070, 18.88A.020, 18.88A.030, 18.88A.040, 18.88A.082, 18.88A.060, 18.88A.080, 18.88A.085, 18.88A.087, 18.88A.088, 18.88A.090, 18.88A.110, 18.88A.120, 43.70.250, 18.88A.210, 18.88B.060, 18.88A.100