The board recognizes the need to establish a means of providing early recognition and treatment options for nursing assistants whose competency may be impaired due to the use of drugs or alcohol. The board intends that such nursing assistants be treated, and their treatment monitored so that they can return to or continue to practice their profession in a manner that safeguards the public. The board may refer nursing assistants to the board's approved substance use disorder monitoring program under RCW 18.130.175 as either an alternative to or in connection with disciplinary actions under RCW 18.130.160 and WAC 246-841A-760.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.110, 18.88A.030, 18.88A.060, 18.88A.087, 18.130.040, 18.130.175, and 2025 c 5. WSR 26-13-119, s 246-841A-800, filed 6/17/26, effective 7/1/26.]