Rules, Laws, 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
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Rules
The Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators (ICNLCA) is made up of members from each of the participating Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) jurisdictions, who work together to support the mission of the ICNLCA. For more information about NLC rules please visit the links below:
Review Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5499, the legislation passed by the Washington State Legislature that enacted the NLC in Washington state.
- Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators (ICNLCA) Bylaws
- NLC Rules
- Key Provisions
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.
Advisory Opinion
A set of recommended practices designed by the board to assist nurses about appropriate health care for specific circumstances. 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.
Procedure
Establishes the proper steps to take to conduct board business.
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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