Washington § 18.79.030 - Licenses required — Titles. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 18.79.030 — Licenses required — Titles. (Effective until June 30, 2027.), with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 18.79.030. Licenses required — Titles. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)

(1) It is unlawful for a person to practice or to offer to practice as a registered nurse in this state unless that human person has been licensed under this chapter or holds a valid multistate license under chapter 18.80 RCW. A person who holds a license to practice as a registered nurse in this state may use the titles "registered nurse" and "nurse" and the abbreviation "R.N." No other person or any nonhuman entity may assume those titles or use the abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the person or any nonhuman entity using them is a registered nurse.

(2)(a) It is unlawful for a person to practice or to offer to practice as an advanced registered nurse practitioner in this state unless that human person has been licensed under this chapter.

(b) A person who holds a license to practice as an advanced registered nurse practitioner in this state may use the title "advanced registered nurse practitioner" and the abbreviation "A.R.N.P."

(i) A certified nurse practitioner may use the title "certified nurse practitioner" and the abbreviation "C.N.P.";

(ii) A certified nurse midwife may use the title "certified nurse midwife" and the abbreviation "C.N.M.";

(iii) A certified registered nurse anesthetist may use the title "certified registered nurse anesthetist" and the abbreviation "C.R.N.A."; or

(iv) A certified clinical nurse specialist may use the title "certified clinical nurse specialist" and the abbreviation "C.C.N.S."

(d) No other person or any nonhuman entity may assume those titles or use those abbreviations or any other words, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the person or any nonhuman entity using them is an advanced registered nurse practitioner.

(3) It is unlawful for a person to practice or to offer to practice as a licensed practical nurse in this state unless that human person has been licensed under this chapter or holds a valid multistate license under chapter 18.80 RCW. A person who holds a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse in this state may use the titles "licensed practical nurse" and "nurse" and the abbreviation "L.P.N." No other person or any nonhuman entity may assume those titles or use that abbreviation or any other words, letters, signs, or figures to indicate that the person or any nonhuman entity using them is a licensed practical nurse.

(4) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a person listed as a Christian Science nurse in the Christian Science Journal published by the Christian Science Publishing Society, Boston, Massachusetts, from using the title "Christian Science nurse," so long as such person does not hold himself or herself out as a registered nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, certified nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified clinical nurse specialist, or licensed practical nurse, unless otherwise authorized by law to do so.

[ 2026 c 139 s 3; 2026 c 6 s 1; 2023 c 123 s 19; 1997 c 177 s 1; 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 403.]

Notes

Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2026 c 6 s 1 and by 2026 c 139 s 3, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).

Expiration date—2026 c 6 s 1: "Section 1 of this act expires June 30, 2027." [ 2026 c 6 s 3.]

Expiration date—2026 c 139 ss 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11: See note following RCW 18.79.020.

Short title—2023 c 123: See RCW 18.80.900.

RCW 18.79.030

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 18.79.030

What does Revised Code of Washington § 18.79.030 cover?

Section 18.79.030 ("Licenses required — Titles. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 18.79.030?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 18.79.030" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 18.79.030 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 18.79.030 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.