The nursing laws and rules do not require the registered nurse maintain first aid certification, CPR or stipulate whether the registered nurse needs to have Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) or have BLS for health care providers. The laws and rules require nurses to demonstrate competence and accountability in all areas of practice in which the nurse is engaged. The registered nurse should consider the area of practice in which the nurse is working. Competent practice may require the administration of first aid and/or CPR. Employers or facilities may require the registered nurse to maintain first aid and/or CPR certification. Some facility laws and rules require nurses to have a CPR certification. For example, WAC 246-320 Hospital Licensing Regulations require at least one nurse to have CPR and at least one nurse to have advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) in recovery areas and in critical care units. In neonatal and pediatric services in hospitals, at least one registered nurse and physician must be trained in infant/pediatric resuscitation; in obstetrics, at least one registered nurse must be trained in neonatal resuscitation when infants are present. WAC 246-330 Ambulatory Surgical Facilities require at least one registered nurse to have current ACLS certification. WAC 388-112-0260 Adult Family Homes and Assisted Living Facilities also have specific requirements for CPR and first aid training. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) and accreditation organizations (such as the Joint Commission) may have specific requirements. It is the employer’s decision as to the first aid and CPR requirements including and what type (BCLS or BLS for Health Care Providers) in the absence of accreditation or facility regulations. The employer may also decide whether they want to require an in-person course or on-line course and other parameters.