The following credentials are issued to nurses in Washington.
(1) Active status license. A license is issued upon completion of all requirements for licensure. The license holder may use the title licensed practical nurse or registered nurse and the use of its abbreviation, LPN or RN. The license allows practice as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse in the state of Washington. See WAC
246-840-201 through
246-840-207 for continuing competency program requirements.
A student who has graduated from a basic professional nursing course and who is pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing, an advanced degree in nursing or an advanced certification in nursing must hold an active Washington RN license before participating in the practice of nursing as required to fulfill the learning objectives in a clinical course.
(2) Inactive status license. A license issued to a person previously holding an active license in this state, is in good standing, and does not practice in Washington state. Refer to chapter
246-12 WAC, Part 4.
(3) Advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) license. An ARNP license may be issued to any person who meets the requirements of the commission as contained in WAC
246-840-300 through
246-840-365. Only persons holding this license have the right to use the title "advanced registered nurse practitioner" or the abbreviation "ARNP" or any title or abbreviation which indicates that the person is entitled to practice at an advanced and specialized role as a nurse practitioner, a nurse midwife, or a nurse anesthetist. The ARNP may engage in the scope allowed for his or her area of national certification as approved by the commission. The license is valid only with a current registered nurse license. The ARNP's scope of practice is defined by national certification standards and approved by the commission.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.010 and 18.79.110. 10-24-047, § 246-840-020, filed 11/24/10, effective 1/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.110. 08-11-019, § 246-840-020, filed 5/12/08, effective 6/12/08; 99-10-079, § 246-840-020, filed 5/4/99, effective 6/4/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. 98-05-060, § 246-840-020, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.79 RCW. 97-13-100, § 246-840-020, filed 6/18/97, effective 7/19/97.]