Beginning July 1, 2026, regulatory authority for nursing assistants in Washington will transition to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) under Senate Bill 5051. The change shifts credentialing and disciplinary oversight from the Secretary of Health to WABON, streamlining regulation of the nursing assistant workforce while maintaining existing application and renewal processes through the Department of Health’s HELMS system. Current credentials will remain valid, and the Provider Credential Search will continue to be available.
The legislation also strengthens the voice of nursing assistants by expanding representation on the Board, adding two nursing assistant-certified members and broadening another seat to include a nurse with experience as an educator. State leaders say the transition will improve coordination, support workforce development, and ensure nursing assistants are better represented in policies shaping their profession and the care they provide. (Gena Cooper)