Nursing Home Administrator - Rules in Progress

Rules in Progress

The rules writing process is open to the public. The public is welcome to take part in helping us write rules. Rules are also known as regulations, Washington Administrative Code, or WAC. The rule-making process includes public notices and workshops, and usually a public hearing before a rule becomes final.

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Current rules in progress

The Board of Nursing Home Administrators will hold a rules workshop on January 27, 2023, at 9:15 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. This is part of a regular board meeting that begins earlier. 

You may access this meeting as follows:

Microsoft Teams meeting 

Join the meeting here on your computer or mobile app, or room device    

Meeting ID: 285 533 676 344 
Passcode: aHxmyN

Download Teams | Join on the Web
Or call in (audio only)
+1 564-999-2000,,356970896#  United States, Olympia 
Phone Conference ID: 356 970 896# 

The following subjects will be considered at this workshop:

  • Chapter 246-843 – Adding a retired active status: The board determined that it would initiate rule making to consider establishing a retired active status. The retired active status would allow nursing home administrators to maintain their credential and practice in a limited way at a reduced cost. Under RCW 18.130.250 and chapter 246-12 WAC, when authorized, a health care provider may apply for a retired active credential when he or she holds an active Washington state credential in good standing; and either will practice no more than ninety days each year or will practice only in emergency circumstances. The board also discussed this at a previous workshop in July, 2022.

  • WAC 246-843-071 – Aligning requirements for licensure with law. The board is reviewing the requirements in this rule to ensure they align with RCW 18.52.071 – Qualifications of licensees.

  • WAC 246-843-090 – Clarifying steps for the administrator-in-training approval. The board is reviewing the administrator-in-training requirements to ensure that all steps are clear to a potential applicant.

  • WAC 246-843-130 – Adding health equity to continuing education requirements. ESSB 5229, passed by the legislature in 2022, requires all health professionals who have continuing education requirements, to establish rules to add health equity requirements by January 2024. The board will discuss the model rules established by the Secretary of Health and determine what should be required for nursing home administrators.

  • WAC 246-843-180 – Adding a requirement for returning a credential to active status. WAC 246-843-130(6) states that a nursing home administrator shall attend a board-approved course on laws relating to nursing homes in Washington within 180 days of becoming licensed. The board is considering adding to WAC 246-843-180, for licensees who did not provide proof of completing this training before their credential expired, a requirement that they obtain this class before their license returns to active status. The purpose of the class is to ensure licensees have sufficient knowledge of Washington laws and rules and was initially added as a requirement to eliminate a requirement for an examination specific to Washington state laws and rules. The board also discussed this at a previous workshop in July 2022.

  • WAC 246-843-231 – Revision of the nursing home administrator temporary practice permits. The board is looking at additional routes to obtain the permit as well as examining processes to make it quicker to obtain.

For further information, contact Kendra Pitzler by email or call 360-236-4723.

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