Washington § 18.79.070 - Board established — Membership — Qualifications (as amended by 2025 c 58) . (Effective until June 30, 2027.)

(1) The state ((nursing care quality assurance commission))board of nursing is established, consisting of fifteen members to be appointed by the governor to four-year terms. The governor shall consider nursing members who are recommended for appointment by the appropriate professional associations in the state. No person may serve as a member of the ((commission))board for more than two consecutive full terms.

(2) There must be seven registered nurse members, two advanced registered nurse practitioner members, three licensed practical nurse members, and three public members on the ((commission))board. Each member of the ((commission))board must be a resident of this state.

(3)(a) Registered nurse members of the ((commission))board must:

(i) Be licensed as registered nurses under this chapter; and

(ii) Have had at least three years' experience in the active practice of nursing and have been engaged in that practice within two years of appointment.

(b) In addition:

(i) At least one member must be on the faculty at a four-year university nursing program;

(ii) At least one member must be on the faculty at a two-year community college nursing program;

(iii) At least two members must be staff nurses providing direct patient care; and

(iv) At least one member must be a nurse manager or a nurse executive.

(4) Advanced registered nurse practitioner members of the ((commission))board must:

(a) Be licensed as advanced registered nurse practitioners under this chapter; and

(b) Have had at least three years' experience in the active practice of advanced registered nursing and have been engaged in that practice within two years of appointment.

(5) Licensed practical nurse members of the ((commission))board must:

(a) Be licensed as licensed practical nurses under this chapter; and

(b) Have had at least three years' actual experience as a licensed practical nurse and have been engaged in practice as a practical nurse within two years of appointment.

(6) Public members of the ((commission))board may not be a member of any other health care licensing board or commission, or have a fiduciary obligation to a facility rendering health services regulated by the ((commission))board, or have a material or financial interest in the rendering of health services regulated by the ((commission))board.

In appointing the initial members of the ((commission))board, it is the intent of the legislature that, to the extent possible, the governor appoint the existing members of the board of nursing and the board of practical nursing repealed under chapter 9, Laws of 1994 sp. sess. The governor may appoint initial members of the ((commission))board to staggered terms of from one to four years. Thereafter, all members shall be appointed to full four-year terms. Members of the ((commission))board hold office until their successors are appointed.

When the secretary appoints pro tem members, reasonable efforts shall be made to ensure that at least one pro tem member is a registered nurse who is currently practicing and, in addition to meeting other minimum qualifications, has graduated from an associate or baccalaureate nursing program within three years of appointment.

Reviser's note: RCW 18.79.070 was amended twice during the 2025 legislative session, each without reference to the other. For rule of construction concerning sections amended more than once during the same legislative session, see RCW 1.12.025.

Expiration date—2025 c 58 ss 5004, 5005, 5006, 5010, 5012, 5013, 5014, 5016, 5017, 5018, 5019, 5020, 5024, 5029, 5030, 5043, 5044, 5045, 5047, 5048, 5049, 5051, 5052, 5053, and 5055: See note following RCW 18.79.040.

Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.