Continuing Education Requirements and Active Nursing Practice Hours Change

Continuing education and active nursing practice hours are now easier to maintain.

The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) has reduced education and active nursing practice hour requirements for active, inactive, expired, and retired-active nurse credentials, and changed the reporting period.

The changes started June 12, 2021.

• Continuing education and active nursing practice hour renewals are now yearly.
• Active nursing practice continuing education hours changes to at least 8 hours a year.
• Active nursing practice hours changes to at least 96 hours a year.
• Retired active nursing practice continuing education hours changes to at least 8 hours a year.
• Retired active nursing practice hours changes to at least 24 hours a year (max of 90 days a year).

For more information see the final rulemaking order WSR 21-11-032 filed on June 2, 2021. See WAC 246-840-210 for continuing competency definitions.

Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
Washington State Department of Health
Nursing@doh.wa.gov
360-236-4700