Who maintains the CNA registry in Washington?
OBRA Nurse Aide Registry
Department of Social and Health Services
PO Box 45600
Olympia, WA 98504-5600
Phone: 360.725.2597
Fax: 360.493.2581
Email: obraregistry@dshs.wa.gov
Mindy Schaffner, PhD, MSN, CNS, RN
Associate Director of Nursing Education
State of Washington Department of Health
Quality Assurance Commission
Nursing Assistant Program Approval Panel
PO Box 47864
Olympia, WA 98504-7864
Phone: 360.236.4745
Who investigates complaints in your state?
Loida Baniqued, Field Manager
Resident & Client Protection Program
Aging & Disability Services Administration
Residential Care Services Division
PO Box 45600
Olympia, WA 98504-5600
Phone: 360.725.3218
Fax: 360.725.3208
The Washington State Aging and Long-Term Care Administration (ALTSA) regulates nursing assistants in Washington state. Pearson Vue is conducting the NNAAP Nursing Assistant exam for ALTSA. Exams are administered in accordance with the standards set by the National Association of Competency Assurance (NACES).
CNA License Requirements in Washington
Washington state requires all nursing assistants to complete an approved 85 hours of training and pass the competency exam in order to work as a certified nurse assistant. The competency exam is made up of a written test and a skills demonstration. To find approved programs, visit our CNA program page.
How to Verify CNA License in Washington?
To verify a CNA license in Washington, you can visit the Washington State Department of Health website and use their online verification system. First, you’ll need to select the type of license you want to verify. Then, you’ll need to enter their name, license number, and security code. Then you click on the search, you’ll be able to see more information about the nurse, such as the city and state where they’re licensed.
How to Renew CNA License In Washington?
CNA licenses in Washington are valid for two years at a time. To renew your CNA license, you must complete eight hours of paid service within the two years prior to renewal. The Department of Health (DOH) will send a renewal notice online 60 days before your license expires. Even if you did not receive the notice, you must complete the renewal form and return it to the DOH by the renewal deadline.
Reinstatement CNA License in Washington
Washington state nurse aides who have failed to complete 8 hours of paid service or failed to renew their license three years after the expiration date may be reinstated if they meet certain criteria. The Department of Health will consider reinstatement if the nurse aide can provide evidence of good cause for the lapse and has met all other requirements for licensure. In order to be reinstated, the nurse aide must also pay a renewal fee and a renewal penalty fee.
Reinstatement Application Packet
Transferring a Out of State CNA License to Washington
If you are a CNA from another state and would like to work in Washington, you may be able to do so by endorsement. This means that your CNA license will be recognized in Washington without having to take any additional steps or exams.
In order to transfer your license, you will need to download an application from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) website. You will also need to send the first part of the application to your home state’s registry. The home registry will then forward the application on to the DOH. If everything is in order, your CNA license will be transferred and you will be able to work in Washington.