Nursing Commission Approves Temporary Practice Permits

As of January 1, 2009, the Washington State Department of Health began a pilot project for the use of federal fingerprint-based background checks. The state legislature authorized these checks in 2008. Due to funding limitations, the pilot will focus on applicants from out-of-state and some with a criminal history in Washington. Out-of-state applicants were chosen because they are unlikely to have criminal history information in the database maintained by the Washington State Patrol. The department already uses this database to issue licenses for applicants who live in the state.

Applicants in the first phase must pay $35.25 to have the fingerprints checked against the federal database. They must also arrange for and pay the cost of taking the fingerprints. Fingerprints must be taken on the fingerprint card provided by the department. Fingerprint services may be obtained at local law enforcement offices.

The department will notify applicants who need to undergo this background check. For these applicants, failure to submit fingerprints will delay processing of their applications. Most applicants for health profession licenses will not undergo this criminal background check.

On February 20, 2009, the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission adopted Temporary Practice Permits for applicants from out of state. The Temporary Practice Permits are issued to applicants who meet nursing licensing requirements and time is needed to complete the federal background check. The Temporary Practice Permit allows the applicant to practice in Washington for six (6) months. The Provider Credential Search will display “Pending” until our ILRS licensing system is reprogrammed. Once that is completed, the display will identify the Temporary Practice Permit.

Please consult our website at http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/BackgroundInfo.htm