FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 15, 2026
Washington State Board of Nursing to Assume Regulatory Authority for Nursing Assistants Beginning July 1, 2026
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Beginning July 1, 2026, regulatory authority for nursing assistants in Washington state will transition to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON), as directed by Senate Bill 5051.
The change transfers credentialing and disciplinary actions from the Washington State Secretary of Health to WABON, streamlining the regulation of nursing assistants (NA).
“The board is thrilled to partner with nursing assistants (NAs) to look at how we can support this essential profession in their education, licensure, and careers,” said Alison Bradywood, Executive Director of the Washington State Board of Nursing.
What’s changing:
- WABON assumes regulatory authority of nursing assistant credentialing and disciplinary processes
- All credential-related questions directed to WABON
What’s not changing:
- Applications, renewals, and complaints will continue to be submitted through the Department of Health’s HELMS Online System
- The Provider Credential Search will remain available for verifying credentials
- Existing nursing assistant credentials remain valid
In addition to streamlining oversight, the legislation expands representation on the Board of Nursing by adding two nursing assistant-certified members and broadening an existing position to include a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse with experience as a nursing assistant educator.
These changes are intended to strengthen oversight and ensure nursing assistants have a voice in the policies that impact their profession and the care they provide.
For more information, visit nursing.wa.gov/news
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What you need to know:
- For Employers
-
In 2025, Senate Bill 5051 was enacted to streamline oversight of the Nursing Assistant (NA) profession by consolidating regulatory authority. Effective July 1, 2026, responsibility for credentialing and disciplinary actions will transfer from the Washington State Secretary of Health to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON).
This change means that the Board of Nursing will serve as the primary point of contact for NA credentialing and discipline matters beginning July 1, 2026.
What does this mean for you:
- Beginning July 1, 2026, please reach out to WABON with any questions related to nursing assistant credentials (NAR, NAC, or Medication Assistant Endorsements) at 360-236-4703 or nursing@doh.wa.gov.
- Continue to use the Department of Health’s Provider Credential Search to verify credentials.
- Applications, renewals, and complaints related to nursing assistant credentials will still need to be submitted through the Department of Health’s HELMS Online System.
- Information related to nursing assistant credentials will now be accessible on the WABON website.
We encourage you to review the full details and consider how these changes may apply to your specific situation. Additional information and resources are available on the WABON website.
If you have questions or need support, please contact nursing@doh.wa.gov.
Thank you for staying informed. We ask for your patience as we transition this large body of work to our regulatory authority to comply with our processes while still adjusting to our new database.
- For Active Nursing Assistants
-
In 2025, Senate Bill 5051 was enacted to streamline oversight of the Nursing Assistant (NA) profession by consolidating regulatory authority. Effective July 1, 2026, responsibility for credentialing and disciplinary actions will transfer from the Washington State Secretary of Health to the Washington State Board of Nursing.
This change means that the Board of Nursing will serve as the primary point of contact for NA credentialing and discipline matters beginning July 1, 2026.
This legislation also adds two new nursing assistant-certified members to the board and expands one current member position to include a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse with experience as a nursing assistant educator. Nursing assistants will now have a well-deserved seat at the table, allowing their frontline expertise to shape policies and practices.
What does this mean for you:
- Beginning July 1, 2026, please reach out to WABON with any questions related to your nursing assistant credential at 360-236-4703 or nursing@doh.wa.gov.
- Continue to use the Department of Health’s Provider Credential Search to verify your credential.
- Applications, renewals, and complaints related to nursing assistant credentials will still need to be submitted through the Department of Health’s HELMS Online System.
- Information related to nursing assistant credentials (NAR, NAC, and Medication Assistant Endorsement) will now be accessible on the WABON website.
We encourage you to review the full details and consider how these changes may apply to your specific situation. Additional information and resources are available on the WABON website.
If you have questions or need support, please contact nursing@doh.wa.gov.
Thank you for staying informed. We ask for your patience as we transition this large body of work to our regulatory authority to comply with our processes while still adjusting to our new database.
- For Nursing Assistant Training Programs/Students
-
In 2025, Senate Bill 5051 was enacted to streamline oversight of the Nursing Assistant (NA) profession by consolidating regulatory authority. Effective July 1, 2026, responsibility for credentialing and disciplinary actions will transfer from the Washington State Secretary of Health to the Washington State Board of Nursing.
This change means that the Board of Nursing will serve as the primary point of contact for NA credentialing and discipline matters beginning July 1, 2026.
What this means for you:
- Online nursing assistant applications will look different. WABON has worked with the DOH technical team to update and streamline applications.
- Beginning July 1, 2026, please reach out to WABON with any questions related to your nursing assistant credential at 360-236-4703 or nursing@doh.wa.gov.
- New WABON staff will be reviewing applications submitted for nursing assistant applicants. You may receive requests for additional information from names you are not familiar with.
- The application closure automation process will begin again a few months after the July 1, 2026, implementation date. WABON will provide additional updates as this process is configured with DOH IT.
- Applications, renewals, and complaints related to nursing assistant credentials will still need to be submitted through the Department of Health’s HELMS Online System.
- Information related to nursing assistant credentials (NAR, NAC, and Medication Assistant Endorsement) will now be accessible on the WABON website.
We encourage you to review the full details and consider how these changes may apply to your specific situation. Additional information and resources are available on the WABON website.
If you have questions or need support, please contact nursing@doh.wa.gov.
Thank you for staying informed. We ask for your patience as we transition this large body of work to our regulatory authority to comply with our processes while still adjusting to our new database.
- For the Public
-
In 2025, Senate Bill 5051 was enacted to streamline oversight of the Nursing Assistant (NA) profession by consolidating regulatory authority. Effective July 1, 2026, responsibility for credentialing and disciplinary actions will transfer from the Washington State Secretary of Health to the Washington State Board of Nursing.
This change means that the Board of Nursing will serve as the primary point of contact for NA credentialing and discipline matters beginning July 1, 2026.
What does this mean for you:
- Beginning July 1, 2026, please reach out to WABON with any questions related to your nursing assistant credential at 360-236-4703 or nursing@doh.wa.gov.
- Continue to use the Department of Health’s Provider Credential Search to verify credentials.
- Applications, renewals, and complaints related to nursing assistant credentials will still need to be submitted through the Department of Health’s HELMS Online System.
- Information related to nursing assistant credentials (NAR, NAC, and Medication Assistant Endorsement) will now be accessible on the WABON website.
We encourage you to review the full details and consider how these changes may apply to your specific situation. Additional information and resources are available on the WABON website.
If you have questions or need support, please contact nursing@doh.wa.gov.
Thank you for staying informed. We ask for your patience as we transition this large body of work to our regulatory authority to comply with our processes while still adjusting to our new database.
Have more questions about the NA transition to WABON? Check out the FAQ.
For questions, contact:
Chris Archuleta, Director, Operations and Finance
Washington State Board of Nursing
(360) 236-2748
chris.archuleta@doh.wa.gov
nursing.wa.gov