The Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) has rebranded Washington Health Professional Services (WHPS) as the CARES Program.
“CARES” stands for Compassion, Accountability, Recovery, Empowerment & Safety — values that actively promote well-being and professional excellence while providing public safety.
This new name reflects our ongoing commitment to support Washington’s nursing professionals with compassion and integrity while safeguarding the public through regulation and health support and verification.
The CARES Program actively works to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use in the nursing profession. We believe that recovery is possible, and that every nurse deserves access to confidential, respectful, and empowering support.
We strive to foster a culture of trust, dignity, and mutual respect through clear communication and a collaborative approach, while protecting the public with a robust health verification program that reinforces accountability and safety.