The bill amends various sections of the Washington State nursing regulations, specifically RCW 18.79, to update definitions and licensing requirements for nursing professionals. Key insertions include the definitions of "advanced registered nurse practitioner," "certified nurse practitioner," "certified nurse midwife," "certified registered nurse anesthetist," and "clinical nurse specialist," which clarify the roles and certifications of advanced practice nurses. The term "advanced practice registered nurse" is introduced, replacing the previous terminology. Additionally, the bill specifies that applicants for nursing licenses must submit written evidence of age and outlines the titles and abbreviations that licensed practitioners may use. It also modifies the process for issuing interim permits, allowing the board to authorize these permits for applicants who have completed their training programs while awaiting examination results.

Moreover, the bill clarifies that advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) who are certified registered nurse anesthetists and have not obtained prescriptive authority prior to July 1, 2026, are permitted to select, order, or administer controlled substances under specific conditions. The terminology for APRNs is updated, replacing "nurse practitioner" with "certified nurse practitioner" and including additional titles. The bill emphasizes that students in approved nursing programs may practice nursing under supervision without compensation, provided they meet certain criteria. It establishes a timeline for implementation, with certain sections taking effect on June 30, 2027, while others will expire on the same date, ensuring that the changes to the nursing practice framework are clearly defined and time-bound.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 18.79.020, 18.79.030, 18.79.160, 18.79.180, 18.79.240, 18.79.250