The nursing care quality assurance commission (NCQAC) conducts background checks on applicants to assure safe patient care. Completion of a fingerprint-based national background check may cause a delay in licensing.

(1) The NCQAC may issue a temporary practice permit to an applicant who holds an unrestricted, active license in another state which has substantially equivalent licensing standards to those in Washington. The applicant must not be subject to denial of a license or issuance of a conditional or restricted license.

(2) A temporary practice permit serves as a license to practice nursing during the time period specified on the permit.

(3) A temporary practice permit expires when:

(a) A license is granted;

(b) A notice of decision on application is mailed to the applicant, unless the notice of decision on application specifically extends the duration of the temporary practice permit; or

(c) One hundred eighty days after the temporary practice permit is issued.

If, at the expiration of the original temporary practice permit, the department has not received information from the fingerprint-based national background check, the NCQAC may renew the temporary practice permit for an additional one hundred eighty days.

(4) To receive a temporary practice permit, the applicant must:

(a) Submit the necessary application fee(s) and documentation for the license.

(b) Submit a completed national background check fingerprint card, if required.

(c) Meet all other requirements and qualifications for the license, except for the results from a fingerprint-based national background check, if required.

(d) Provide verification of holding an unrestricted nursing license from another state that has substantially equivalent licensing standards to those in Washington.

(e) Submit a separate application for a temporary practice permit.