Laws and Rules
Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
A statute or RCW is written by the Washington State Legislature. Once legislation is signed by the governor, it becomes law. You can perform an online search for RCWs on the Washington State Legislature website or go directly to the full list of RCWs.
Relevant RCWs for nurses
| RCW | Chapter or Section Title |
| RCW Chapter 18.79 | Nursing Care |
| RCW Chapter 18.130 | Regulation of Health Professions/Uniform Disciplinary Act |
| RCW Section 26.44.030 | Abuse of Children and Adult Dependent Persons |
| RCW Chapter 34.05 | Administrative Procedures Act |
| RCW Chapter 42.56 | Public Disclosure |
| RCW Chapter 70.02 | Medical Records – Health Care Information Access and Disclosure |
| RCW Chapter 74.34 | Abuse of Vulnerable Adults |
Washington Administrative Code (WAC)
A rule or WAC provides interpretive support for the individuals or entities to whom the rule or statute applies. Department of Health rules are written and adopted by a Board or Commission or the Secretary of the Department of Health. Rules or WACs carry the full force of the law. You can perform an online search for WACs on the Washington State Legislature website or go directly to the full list of WACs.
Relevant WACs for nurses
| WAC | Chapter Title |
| WAC Chapter 246-12 | Administrative Procedures and Requirements for Credentialed Health Care Providers |
| WAC Chapter 246-15 | Whistleblower Complaints in Health Care Settings |
| WAC Chapter 246-840 | Practical, Registered Nursing, and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) |