PDFWAC 246-840-020
Credentials issued to an LPN, RN, or ARNP in Washington state.
The following credentials are issued to nurses in Washington state.
(1) Licensed practical nurse (LPN) license.
(a) An LPN license is issued upon completion of licensure requirements. Licensure requirements for LPNs are found under WAC 246-840-025, 246-840-030, 246-840-033, 246-840-045, 246-840-090, 246-840-091, and 246-840-092.
(b) Only persons holding this license have the right to use the title licensed practical nurse and the use of its abbreviation, LPN.
(c) The license allows practice as an LPN in the state of Washington.
(2) Registered nurse (RN) license.
(a) An RN license is issued upon completion of licensure requirements. Licensure requirements for RNs are found under WAC 246-840-025, 246-840-030, 246-840-045, 246-840-090, 246-840-091, and 246-840-092.
(b) Only persons holding this license have the right to use the title registered nurse and its abbreviation, RN.
(c) The license allows practice as an RN in the state of Washington.
(d) A student who has completed an associate degree nursing education program approved by the board or its equivalent and who is pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing, an advanced degree in nursing or an advanced certification in nursing must hold an active Washington RN license before participating in the practice of nursing as required to fulfill the learning objectives in a clinical course.
(3) Advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) license.
(a) An ARNP license is issued upon completion of licensure requirements. Licensure requirements for ARNPs are found under WAC 246-840-300 through 246-840-367.
(b) Only persons holding this license have the right to use the title advanced registered nurse practitioner and its abbreviation, ARNP. This includes any title or abbreviation which indicates that the individual is authorized to practice at an advanced and specialized role as a NP, CNM, CRNA, or CNS.
(c) The license is valid only with a current RN license.
(d) The license allows practice as an ARNP in the state of Washington.
(e) The ARNP's scope of practice is defined by a national certifying body approved by the board.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.010, 18.79.110, and 43.07.041. WSR 26-02-031, s 246-840-020, filed 12/30/25, effective 1/30/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.050, 18.79.110, and 18.79.160. WSR 16-08-042, § 246-840-020, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.010 and 18.79.110. WSR 10-24-047, § 246-840-020, filed 11/24/10, effective 1/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.110. WSR 08-11-019, § 246-840-020, filed 5/12/08, effective 6/12/08; WSR 99-10-079, § 246-840-020, filed 5/4/99, effective 6/4/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 98-05-060, § 246-840-020, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.79 RCW. WSR 97-13-100, § 246-840-020, filed 6/18/97, effective 7/19/97.]