This section applies to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) enrolled in a nontraditional LPN to registered nurse (RN) program on July 27, 2017, and describes the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Washington state interim permit.

(1) Graduates of a nontraditional nursing program may apply for an interim permit after degree confirmation by the nontraditional program.

(a) An LPN enrolled in a nontraditional nursing program on July 27, 2017, has until July 27, 2020, to complete the nontraditional program, as defined in WAC 246-840-010.

(b) An LPN successfully completing a nontraditional nursing program after July 27, 2020, may obtain licensure by endorsement in Washington state after completing one thousand hours of practice under an RN license in another state, without discipline.

(2)(a) An LPN successfully completing the nontraditional nursing program and passing the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Registered Nurse Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN®) may be eligible to receive an interim permit for the purpose of completing one thousand hours of practice experience in the role of an RN.

(b) Only students licensed as an LPN in Washington state and identified by the nontraditional program on July 27, 2017, will be considered eligible to obtain initial licensure from the commission under this section.

(3) An LPN successfully completing a nontraditional nursing program as identified in subsection (2)(b) of this section shall:

(a) Submit a completed RN application indicating the need for an interim permit with the required fee, as defined in WAC 246-840-990;

(b) Request an official transcript be sent directly to the commission from the nontraditional nursing education program confirming a conferred associate degree in nursing;

(c) Successfully pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Registered Nurse Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN®);

(d) Complete one thousand hours of practice under an interim permit in the role of an RN; and

(e) Provide documented evidence from a commission approved supervising licensed RN verifying the interim permit holder successfully completed the one thousand hours of practice in an RN role.

(4) The supervising RN from the acute care, skilled nursing, or transitional care facility:

(a) Shall submit a commission approved application;

(b) Must have an active, unencumbered RN license;

(c) Shall attest to not being related to or personal friends of the interim permit holder;

(d) Must have at least three years of experience as an RN;

(e) Must have demonstrated teaching and mentoring skills; and

(f) Must be able to evaluate, with input from others, the practice of the interim permit holder in the role of an RN.

(5) The interim permit expires one year after the submission of the application and is not renewable.

(6) An interim permit holder who does not successfully fulfill the practice requirements, as identified in subsection (3)(c) and (d) of this section, does not meet the requirements for licensure by examination as an RN in the state of Washington.

(7) The holder of the interim permit is subject to disciplinary action under chapter 18.130 RCW.