The Department of Health (DOH) filed a Preproposal (CR-101) for WAC 246-840-990, Fees and Renewal Cycle on November 10, 2021 as WSR #21-23-053. The DOH in consultation with the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) is considering fee changes for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, advanced registered nurse practitioners, and nursing technicians.

RCW 43.70.250 requires that the costs of licensing each profession be fully borne by members of that profession. Rulemaking is needed to ensure fees cover the costs of licensing the professions. A fee change may be necessary to cover the cost of a database solution to replace an outdated licensing system, for staffing to continue nurse license processing within legislated timelines, and staffing to address increased workload associated with nursing assistants and the long-term care crisis.

The commission previously held three interested parties’ rules workshops December 2nd, 8th, and 10th, 2021 prior to the Washington State Legislature’s adoption of the Governor’s Budget which included provisions for a fee increase.

Based on the Governor’s Budget, additional workshops are scheduled to inform interested parties of the fee change proposal.

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency, the commission will not provide a physical location for this hearing. Virtual public workshops will be held instead.

Register for one online workshop:

• Monday, March 21, 2022, 10:00 a.m.
  Join on your computer or mobile app: 
  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpf-uhqDMjG9SZzeAviTuTwRfMhU3KRJzA
• Wednesday, March 23, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
  Join on your computer or mobile app: 
  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkcuuorD4sE9AKlV3Q8Xt6VtK1xlmzHwQ8

For more information please contact:

Shad Bell, Assistant Director of Operations
Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
Department of Health
NCQAC.Rules@doh.wa.gov

Or

Ross Valore, Policy Analyst
Health Systems Quality Assurance
Department of Health
HSQAfeerules@doh.wa.gov

Questions?

Contact:

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804