COVID-19 Response to Expedite Licensure and Nursing Practice in Washington

Nursing Assistant Training Programs 

Restrictions related to COVID-19 have impacted nursing assistant (NA) testing and schools statewide. The Nursing Commission has begun providing approval for programs to shift to a live, online format for classroom content during this emergency proclamation. In addition, the Nursing Commission asks programs to provide federally-required content first, enabling students to apply and work as nursing assistants-registered (NARs) under the supervision of an LPN or RN while they complete the class. Action is underway to lift additional barriers for rapid NA entry into the workforce. You can find the NAR application and fees on the Nursing Assistant webpages.

Clinical sites 

Most clinical sites are closed consequent to the emergency proclamation and widespread school closures. Nursing students who have yet to complete clinical experiences are encouraged to apply for a Nursing Technician registration.

Nursing Technician Registration 

The Nursing Commission encourages nursing students who meet the requirements for RCW 18.79.340 and .350 to apply for nursing technician registration. This enables nursing students to assist with nursing duties up to their level of education and documented skill level, under the supervision of a qualified RN.

Emergency Interim Permits 

When a nursing student has graduated from a nursing program and before they take the national exam (for LPNs, RNs and ARNPs), they can apply for licensure following the online process. After the college/university sends the certificate of completion confirming completion of the program, the licensing unit has received the official transcripts, and the applicant has registered for the national examination, licensing staff can issue an emergency interim permit allowing the applicant to work as a nurse during the declared emergency. When testing is available again, nurse applicants are required to take the national exam to complete the process for permanent licensing.

Temporary Practice Permits

At this time, the Nursing Commission recommends applying for nurse licensure through the online license application process. Please submit a complete packet of required information to ensure no unnecessary delay. If you are endorsing your license from another state, please complete licensure verification online. We encourage the submission of electronic transcripts; please have your college/university return the transcript to nurselicensing@doh.wa.gov. A temporary practice permit is valid for 180 days, or until the Nursing Commission issues a permanent license. If the emergency extends beyond 180 days, the commission may grant extensions. 

Fingerprints and FBI Criminal Background Checks 

Most fingerprint vendors are closed or not currently servicing nursing applicants. The requirement for fingerprints for out-of-state applicants is temporarily waived during the emergency and will be required when the emergency ends. Applicants will receive directions on fingerprinting.

Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioner Act

Also commonly referred to as RCW 70.15. Licensed nurses from Washington or other states with no prior disciplinary history may apply to work in Washington without further licensing requirements. Find information, including FAQs, and the application on the Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners webpage. The DOH office of Emergency Preparedness and Response manages the placement of nurses based on need. Nurses may accept voluntary or paid assignments. This is not a substitute for Washington licensure and is available only during the time of the governor’s emergency proclamation. 

Washington Health Professional Services program (WHPS) 

During these stressful times, nurses may resort to using substances to cope. Nurses can access the WHPS program confidentially to contract for substance use disorder-related services. Contact the WHPS program at 360-236-2880.