FBI background checks delay Wa. State licensing for certain health care professions

In response to the delays caused by national (FBI) fingerprint-based background checks, the Wa. State Dept. of Health has adopted emergency rules to allow the issuance of temporary practice permits to applicants for eligible secretary authority professions. The emergency rules were effective September 1, 2009.

These temporary practice permits are for out-of-state applicants for licenses and credentials. Affected professions include nursing assistants certified and registered, boarding home and adult family home caregivers now defined as home care aides as a result of I-1029, licensed health care assistants, registered and licensed practical nurses and nursing home administrators.