Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Health Care & Wellness Committee
HB 2416
Brief Description: Changing the legal title for advanced practice nurses.
Sponsors: Representatives Graham and Riccelli; by request of Washington State Board of Nursing.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Changes the title for advanced registered nurse practitioners to advanced practice registered nurses.
Hearing Date: 1/24/24
Staff:

Benjamin Ratcliff (786-7291) and Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:

An advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) assumes primary responsibility and accountability for the care of patients and is authorized to perform all activities registered nurses perform, perform specialized and advanced levels of nursing, and prescribe legend drugs and certain controlled substances.  An ARNP's scope of practice is defined by the Washington State Board of Nursing and includes:

  • examining and diagnosing patients;
  • admitting, managing, and discharging patients to and from health care facilities;
  • ordering, collecting, performing, and interpreting diagnostic tests;
  • managing health care by identifying, developing, implementing, and evaluating a plan of care and treatment for patients;
  • prescribing therapies and medical equipment;
  • prescribing medications when granted prescriptive authority; and
  • referring patients to other health care practitioners, services, or facilities.
Summary of Bill:

The title for "advanced registered nurse practitioner" is changed to ?advanced practice registered nurse.?
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on June 30, 2027.