Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington SB5904: Use of nursing titles
Status: Passed one chamber, March 12, 2026
Concerning the use of nursing titles.
What the bill says
An act Relating to the use of nursing titles; amending RCW 18.79.030 and 18.79.030; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to the use of nursing titles; amending RCW 18.79.030 and 18.79.030; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date. Sec. 1. RCW 18.79.030 and 2023 c 123 s 19 are each amended to read as follows: (1) It is unlawful for a person to practice or to offer to practice as a registered nurse in this state unless that human person has been licensed under this chapter or holds a valid multistate license under chapter 18.80 RCW. A person who holds a license to practice as a registered nurse in this state may use the titles "registered nurse" and "nurse" and the abbreviation "R.N." No other person or any nonhuman entity may assume those titles or use the abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the person or any nonhuman entity using them is a registered nurse. (2) It is unlawful for a person to practice or to offer to practice as an advanced registered nurse practitioner or as a nurse practitioner in this state unless that human person has been licensed under this chapter. A person who holds a license to practice as an advanced registered nurse practitioner in this state may use the titles "advanced registered nurse practitioner," "nurse practitioner," and "nurse" and the abbreviations "A.R.N.P." and "N.P." No …
Sponsors
- Jessica Bateman (D) · primary sponsor
- Jeff Holy (R)
- Mike Chapman (D)
- T'wina Nobles (D)
- Marcus Riccelli (D)
- Rebecca Saldaña (D)
- Sharon Shewmake (D)
Latest actions
- : By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
- : Public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 8:00 AM.
- : First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
- : Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
- : Placed on second reading consent calendar.
- : Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
- : HLTC - Majority; do pass.
- : Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care at 10:30 AM.
- : Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care at 8:00 AM.
Votes
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 4, 2026): 49 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care: Do pass (January 20, 2026): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: HEALTH CARE PRACTIONERS AND PROVIDERS
Common questions
- What is SB5904?
- SB5904 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Use of nursing titles.
- What does SB5904 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to the use of nursing titles; amending RCW 18.79.030 and 18.79.030; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date.
- What is the status of SB5904?
- Passed one chamber as of March 12, 2026. Latest action: By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (March 12, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5904?
- Jessica Bateman (D), with 6 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB5904?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5904&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.