Laws, Rules, and Statements
The Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) enforces the statutes of Washington state in relation to the nursing profession.
Learn about Washington's nursing laws and regulations, as well as ongoing policy development areas and opportunities for public engagement, using the links below.
I am looking for:
- Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
- Washington Administrative Code (WAC)
- Rules in progress
- Workshops schedule
- Hearings schedule
- Comment on rules
- Statements
- Policy and Legislation
- Advisory Opinions
Definitions
Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
A statute or Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is written by the Washington State Legislature. Once legislation is signed by the governor, it becomes law. You can perform an online search for RCWs on the Washington State Legislature website or go directly to the full list of RCWs.
Washington Administrative Code (WAC)
A rule or Washington Administrative Code (WAC) provides interpretive support for the individuals or entities to whom the rule or statute applies. Department of Health rules are written and adopted by a Board or Commission or the Secretary of the Department of Health. Rules or WACs carry the full force of the law. You can perform an online search for WACs on the Washington State Legislature website or go directly to the full list of WACs.
Interpretive Statement
Interpretive statement are a written expression of the opinion of an agency as to the meaning of a statute or other provision of law, of a court decision, or of an agency order. RCW 34.05.010 (8)
An interpretive statement does not have the force and effect of law. It is merely an explanatory document intended to convey the board’s interpretation of the law and regulation as it existed at the time the statement was issued.
Policy Statements
Policy Statements are written descriptions of the current approach of an agency, entitled a policy statement by the agency head or its designee, to implementation of a statute or other provision of law, of a court decision, or of an agency order, including where appropriate the agency's current practice, procedure, or method of action based upon that approach. RCW 34.05.010 (15)A policy statement informs the public of the board’s current approach to implementation of its own law or rule. A policy statement does not have the force and effect of law.
Advisory Opinion
Advisory Opinions are a written opinion in response to questions concerning the authority of various categories of nursing practitioners to perform particular acts. RCW 18.79.110
An advisory opinion does not have the force of law but may be considered by the board to be the standard of care in our state.
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If you have questions, please contact our rules staff at WABONRules@doh.wa.gov.
More agency rule resources
Department of Health Rule Making