Bill > SB5904

This bill clarifies and updates the legal provisions regarding nursing titles and licenses in Washington state, specifically emphasizing that only licensed human individuals can use specific nursing titles and abbreviations. The legislation modifies existing law to explicitly state that no person or "nonhuman entity" may use the titles "registered nurse" (R.N.), "licensed practical nurse" (L.P.N.), "advanced registered nurse practitioner" (A.R.N.P.), "advanced practice registered nurse" (A.P.R.N.), or "nurse practitioner" (N.P.) unless they are properly licensed human professionals. The bill also maintains an existing exception for Christian Science nurses who are listed in the Christian Science Journal, allowing them to use their specific title without implying they are licensed nurses in other categories. Additionally, the bill includes technical amendments to update terminology (such as changing "advanced registered nurse practitioner" to "advanced practice registered nurse") and sets an expiration date of June 30, 2027, for certain sections of the legislation, suggesting these provisions are intended to be reviewed or potentially revised in the future.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5904&Year=2025&Initiative=false