Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Health Care & Wellness Committee
HB 2155
Brief Description: Concerning the use of nursing titles.
Sponsors: Representatives Obras, Parshley, Kloba, Simmons, Low, Reed, Santos, Zahn, Gregerson, Macri, Salahuddin and Hill.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Prohibits nonhuman entities from using nursing titles.
Hearing Date: 1/20/26
Staff: Alison Ryan (786-7296).
Background:

To practice nursing in Washington, a person must be licensed by the Washington State Board of Nursing (Board) or hold a valid multistate license.  The Board licenses registered nurses, advanced registered nurse practitioners, and licensed practical nurses.

 

A person who is not licensed to practice nursing by the Board or who does not hold a valid multistate license may not practice as a nurse, offer to practice as a nurse, use nursing titles, or otherwise indicate that the person is a licensed nurse. 
Summary of Bill:

A person may not practice as a registered nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or licensed practical nurse unless that human person is licensed by the Washington State Board of Nursing or holds a valid multistate license. 

 

A nonhuman entity may not use the following titles or abbreviations available to registered nurses, advanced registered nurse practitioners, or licensed practical nurses: 

  • "registered nurse," "nurse," or "RN";
  • "advanced registered nurse practitioner," " nurse practitioner," "ARNP," or "NP"; or
  • "licensed practical nurse" or "LPN."

 

A nonhuman entity may not use any other words, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the nonhuman entity is a registered nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or licensed practical nurse. 

 

On June 30, 2027, previously enacted legislation will take effect changing the ARNP title to "advanced practice registered nurse" or "APRN."  A nonhuman entity will also be prohibited from using "advanced practice registered nurse" or "APRN." 

 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill contains multiple effective dates. Please see the bill.