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 it empowers the board to set education requirements, approve training programs, and manage certification processes.

Additionally, the bill expands the board's authority to include the regulation of medication assistants and outlines the specific tasks they may perform under supervision. It updates the language throughout the RCW to reflect the new governance structure by replacing references to the "secretary" and "commission" with "board." The bill also includes provisions for the repeal of certain outdated regulations, such as the waiver of examination for initial applications, and establishes a timeline for the implementation of the new regulations, with most sections taking effect on July 1, 2026, and one section 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