The bill introduces a new section to chapter 18.79 RCW that establishes standards for nursing education programs in Washington. It stipulates that the board will not impose requirements beyond those necessary for national accreditation and will accept documentation submitted to national accreditation bodies as sufficient for meeting board standards. Additionally, if a nursing education program is required to produce findings or corrective action plans for national accreditation, the board may also request these documents but cannot demand further corrective actions beyond what the national body has determined.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the board provide technical assistance to nursing programs with a national council licensure examination pass rate below 80 percent and expedite the approval process for new nursing education program applications from institutions with accredited programs. It also allows for flexibility in certification requirements for simulation directors and lead nurse educators, and it permits the board to require ongoing professional development for nurse educators, contingent on available resources. Definitions for "national nursing education accreditation body" and "nursing education program" are also included to clarify the scope of the legislation.