Bill > HB2339

This bill modifies existing laws concerning the regulation of nursing in Washington state by updating definitions and clarifying the scope of practice for various nursing roles. It introduces and defines specific titles and abbreviations for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including "certified nurse practitioner" (CNP), "certified nurse midwife" (CNM), "certified registered nurse anesthetist" (CRNA), and "certified clinical nurse specialist" (CCNS), allowing these professionals to use these designations. The bill also streamlines the application process for nursing licenses by removing redundant requirements for transcripts and official records for registered nurses, advanced registered nurse practitioners, and licensed practical nurses, while still requiring proof of age for practical nurses. Additionally, it clarifies that the Board of Nursing, rather than the Department of Health, may issue interim permits for nurses practicing while awaiting examination results and updates the provisions regarding the prescribing of controlled substances by certified registered nurse anesthetists and other APRNs, aligning these with their defined scopes of practice. The bill includes provisions for different effective and expiration dates for various sections, with some sections taking effect in 2027 and expiring on the same date, indicating a phased implementation or review period.