A registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) licensed under this chapter may place their license in an "inactive status" as defined in WAC 246-12-010.

1. (1) To place a license in inactive status, the nurse shall comply with the requirements in WAC 246-12-090.
2. (2) An inactive license must be renewed on or before the nurse's birthday. To renew an inactive license, the nurse shall comply with the requirements in WAC 246-12-100.

3. (3) To return to active status:

   1. (a) If the license is inactive for three years or less, the nurse shall meet the requirements in WAC 246-12-090 through 246-12-110.

   2. (b) If the license is inactive for more than three years and the nurse has been in active practice in another United States (U.S.) or Canadian jurisdiction, the nurse shall:

      1. (i) Submit verification of active practice from any other U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction;
      2. (ii) Meet the requirements in WAC 246-12-090 through 246-12-110.

   3. (c) If the license is inactive for more than three years and the nurse has not been in active practice in another U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction, the nurse shall:

      1. (i) Successfully complete a board-approved refresher course. The nurse will be issued a limited educational authorization to enroll in the refresher course. The limited educational authorization is valid only while working under the direct supervision of a preceptor and is not valid for employment as a nurse; and
      2. (ii) Meet the requirements in WAC 246-12-090 through 246-12-110.
4. (4) Fees are specified in WAC 246-840-990.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.010, 18.79.110, and 43.07.041. WSR 26-02-031, s 246-840-120, filed 12/30/25, effective 1/30/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.010 and 18.79.110. WSR 21-11-032, § 246-840-120, filed 5/12/21, effective 6/12/21; WSR 10-24-047, § 246-840-120, filed 11/24/10, effective 1/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 98-05-060, § 246-840-120, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.79 RCW. WSR 97-13-100, § 246-840-120, filed 6/18/97, effective 7/19/97.]