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Committee hears technical nursing bill updating ARNP titles and licensure rules
Summary
House Bill 23-39 would modernize advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) titles, adjust CRNA controlled-substance rules and interim-permit issuance, and remove a transcript submission requirement; nursing boards and education leaders supported the technical changes, while hospitals asked for clarifying amendments to avoid title-related confusion.
Committee staff and stakeholders described House Bill 23-39 on Jan. 14 as a technical modernization aligning ARNP statutory language with current practice. Staff said the bill authorizes use of general and specialty ARNP titles (including certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists), allows certain CRNA controlled-substance administration to continue for those licensed before July 1, 2026, removes the requirement that applicants submit transcripts to the Board of Nursing, and permits the Board to issue some interim permits directly.
Mary Sue Gorski (Board of Nursing) and other nursing representatives supported the bill as a streamlining measure that aligns statute with national standards and said transcript changes will expedite licensure for applicants educated in Washington while maintaining program-level quality checks. Hospitals and the Washington State Medical Association asked for clarifying amendments to avoid unintended effects on existing clinical nurse specialists' titles and to ensure patient clarity, noting recent rule and statutory changes in this area.
Sponsors described the bill as technical and supported by the board and ARNP stakeholders; committee members asked targeted questions about education verification and title usage. No formal vote was taken at the Jan. 14 hearing.
