WABON administers a stipend fund in accordance with RCW 18.79.440, which provides financial support to nurses in the Washington Health Professional Services (WHPS) program who demonstrate a financial need.
Funding for the stipend program is not in the currently proposed state budget. While this could change before the final budget is approved, given the current state budget shortfalls, we are not optimistic the funding will be included in the final budget.
What does this mean?
As we reach the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2025, and current funds are depleted, financial assistance will no longer be available to defray costs of WHPS program participation for approved stipend recipients. The full cost of testing and PSG attendance will resume as each program participant’s responsibility.
The WHPS team recognizes the impact of this unfortunate situation and is actively investigating alternative forms of funding that may be available through other sources. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available, as we understand that these funds are critical to best support our nurses.