HB 2340
SignedHouse
Nursing assistants/SUD prg.
Applying substance use disorder monitoring program provisions to nursing assistants.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill expands protections for healthcare workers (including nursing assistants) in substance use disorder monitoring programs by allowing enforcement action details to be removed from public websites if they comply with program requirements, and creates a stipend program to help cover their treatment-related costs. It also requires transparency reporting on the program’s use of funds.
- Allows the state to remove enforcement action details from public websites for credentialed workers (like nursing assistants) who are participating in a state-approved substance use disorder monitoring program and have complied with the terms of their order or agreement.
- Creates a stipend program to help cover out-of-pocket costs (e.g., evaluations, treatment, drug testing, peer support groups) for people in a substance use disorder monitoring program, up to 80% of eligible expenses.
- Sets eligibility rules for the stipend: applicants must hold an active/inactive/suspended credential, be participating in (or recently completed) a board-approved monitoring program, demonstrate financial need, and not have previously received a stipend.
- Requires the board to publish annual data on the program, including number of participants, average and total amounts paid, and remaining funds.
- Adds a new rulemaking authority for the board to implement the stipend program.
Who is affected
- Nursing assistants and other credentialed healthcare workers — Nursing assistants and other healthcare workers credentialed under chapters 18.79 or 18.88A RCW who are required to participate in a substance use disorder monitoring program as part of a disciplinary order or agreement with the board.
- Workers with financial need seeking support for SUD treatment — Workers who need financial help to cover costs like evaluations, treatment, drug testing, or peer support groups while participating in a substance use disorder monitoring program.
- State agencies (Department of Health and licensing boards) — The Washington State Department of Health and the relevant licensing board (e.g., Nursing Commission) responsible for administering the stipend program and managing public records related to enforcement actions.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
By allowing removal of enforcement action details from public websites for workers who have substantially complied with treatment, the bill reduces stigma and encourages healthcare workers to seek help without fear of permanent reputational harm — which can improve workforce retention and patient access to care.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(a)-(c)The stipend program covering up to 80% of out-of-pocket treatment-related costs (evaluations, drug testing, peer support) directly reduces financial barriers to completing mandated monitoring, improving treatment adherence and reducing the risk of relapse or license loss.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 2 (stipend program)Eligibility is tied to financial need and active participation in the monitoring program, ensuring that low- and moderate-income healthcare workers — who are disproportionately affected by treatment costs — benefit most, rather than wealthier professionals.
HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 3(c), (d)Mandated annual transparency reporting on program participation, spending, and remaining funds enhances accountability and allows for public oversight — helping ensure the program is administered fairly and efficiently.
Local GovernmentPeopleRef: Sec. 4 (transparency reporting)By reducing the long-term career penalty for healthcare workers who successfully complete treatment, the bill helps retain experienced professionals in the workforce — mitigating staffing shortages in Washington’s strained healthcare system.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(a)-(b)
Potential Concerns (5)
Removing enforcement action details from public websites may reduce transparency for patients and the public about past disciplinary issues involving credentialed healthcare workers, potentially undermining informed consent and public trust in the safety of care providers.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 1(1)(c)The bill allows removal of enforcement records only after the board finds “substantial compliance” — a subjective standard that may not guarantee full adherence to treatment or prevent relapse, raising concerns about whether public safety is fully protected.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 1(1)(b)The bill does not require third-party websites (e.g., Google, health rating sites) to remove already-published enforcement data, limiting the practical effect of the removal provision and potentially creating inconsistent public access to safety information.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 1(1)(c)Implementation of the stipend program requires administrative resources from the Department of Health and licensing boards, potentially diverting staff time and budget from other regulatory or public health priorities — especially if funding is not explicitly appropriated beyond initial setup.
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 2 (effective date: 2026-07-01)While the bill enhances privacy for participants, it does not guarantee that enforcement records will be sealed or expunged — only removed from public websites — meaning the underlying disciplinary history remains accessible to licensing boards, employers, and courts, potentially perpetuating stigma without full rehabilitation.
Rights & LibertiesRef: Sec. 1(1)(c)
Who Is Most Affected
Nursing assistants and other credentialed healthcare workers in SUD monitoring programs are the primary beneficiaries — especially those with financial need. The bill reduces stigma, improves access to treatment support, and helps retain skilled workers in the workforce.
Workers with financial need benefit significantly from the stipend program, which covers up to 80% of out-of-pocket costs for evaluations, treatment, and drug testing — lowering barriers to completing mandated monitoring and avoiding license suspension.
The Department of Health and licensing boards gain new administrative responsibilities and rulemaking authority, but also gain tools to support workforce retention and public safety. Implementation costs could strain resources if not fully funded.
Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare employers benefit indirectly from improved workforce stability and reduced turnover, but may face increased administrative burdens if they are expected to verify or support employee participation in the program.
Patients and the public may benefit from a more stable, supported healthcare workforce, but could be negatively affected if public transparency of past disciplinary actions is reduced — potentially limiting informed choice.