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Bill

Bill

HB 2155

Concerning the use of nursing titles.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Gregerson and 11 co-sponsors

Washington law restricts use of nursing titles to licensed professionals, protecting public safety by preventing unqualified individuals from claiming nurse credentials.

Effective date 6/11/2026*.
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Bill Summary · HB 2155

Legislative bill overview

HB 2155 regulates the use of nursing titles in Washington State, establishing legal restrictions on who can use designations like "nurse," "registered nurse" (RN), "licensed practical nurse" (LPN), and related professional titles. The bill likely requires that only individuals with appropriate licensure and credentials can claim these titles in professional and public contexts.

Why is this important

Nursing title protection prevents unqualified individuals from misrepresenting themselves as nurses, which directly impacts public safety and patient care quality. Clear title restrictions help patients identify legitimately credentialed professionals and protect the nursing profession's integrity and regulatory standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of restricted titles: Debate over which titles should be protected (e.g., whether "nursing assistant" or "nurse aide" falls under restrictions, potentially affecting unlicensed support staff terminology)
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Questions about how violations will be detected, reported, and penalized, and whether penalties are sufficiently strong to deter misuse
  • Interstate practice implications: Concerns about how the law affects nurses licensed in other states who work remotely or temporarily in Washington, or how it aligns with interstate nursing compacts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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