The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (commission) recently adopted amendments to WAC 246-840-342 and 246-840-360 pertaining to advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) clinical practice hour requirements for license renewal and initial interstate endorsement. The commission’s Advanced Practice Subcommittee (APSC) completed a literature review and determined that the requirement for ARNPs to submit proof of 250 clinical practice hours upon license renewal or initial interstate endorsement is not necessary due to other requirements for license renewal or initial interstate endorsement, including the requirement to maintain an active national certification. These rules are currently in effect.
The state of emergency in Washington state due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a demand for more health care professionals, especially qualified nurses. This rule should eliminate barriers for qualified ARNPs to renew their credential or endorse from another state. For any questions relating to ARNP renewal requirements or initial licensure by endorsement into Washington state, please contact the commission's Licensing Unit at 360-236-4703. For questions relating to the rule change, please email the commission’s Policy Analyst at brandon.williams@doh.wa.gov.