(1) A registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) may place their license in "retired active" status as defined in WAC 246-12-010 by meeting the requirements of this section.
(2) An RN or LPN who holds a retired active license may only practice in intermittent or emergent circumstances.
(a) Intermittent means the RN or LPN will practice no more than 90 days a year.
(b) Emergent means the RN or LPN will practice only in emergency circumstances such as earthquakes, floods, times of declared war, or other states of emergency.
(3) To obtain a retired active license, an RN or LPN shall:
(a) Meet the requirements in WAC 246-12-120.
(b) Pay the appropriate fee as specified in WAC 246-840-990.
(4) To renew a retired active license, the RN or LPN shall:
(a) Meet the requirements in WAC 246-12-130. The retired active license fee is specified in WAC 246-840-990.
(b) Have completed eight hours of continuing nursing education within a 12-month period prior to the renewal of licensure in compliance with WAC 246-840-220 (2)(b). Education may include CPR and first aid.
(c) Demonstrate they have practiced at least 24 hours within a 12-month period prior to the renewal of licensure. Practice may be paid or unpaid as a volunteer, but must require nursing knowledge or a nursing license.
(d) Renew their retired active license every year on their birthday.
(5) To return to active status, the RN or LPN shall meet the requirements in WAC 246-12-140. The active renewal fee is specified in WAC 246-840-990.
(6) An RN or LPN who holds a retired active license is subject to a continuing competency audit as outlined in WAC 246-840-220 and 246-840-230.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.010, 18.79.110, and 43.07.041. WSR 26-02-031, s 246-840-125, filed 12/30/25, effective 1/30/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.010 and 18.79.110. WSR 21-11-032, § 246-840-125, filed 5/12/21, effective 6/12/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.110 and 43.70.442. WSR 16-04-097, § 246-840-125, filed 2/1/16, effective 3/3/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.250 and 18.79.110. WSR 14-02-026, § 246-840-125, filed 12/20/13, effective 1/20/14.]