Beginning July 1, 2025, all hospitals must implement their 2025 hospital staffing plans and assign nursing staff to patient care units per the plan (except in cases defined in RCW 70.41.410 Section 11).
- Urban/System hospitals that are not exempt must record when the number of patients assigned to nursing staff exceeds the hospital staffing plan and submit compliance reports to the Department of Health in January and July.
- Non-compliance reports are required within seven days after any month when compliance drops below 80%. Hospitals that maintain compliance at least 80% of the time are not required to submit monthly reports.
- Hospitals must also post their 2025 staffing plans and any related corrective action plans in a public area in each unit/clinical area and adopt written policies and procedures related to nursing staff assignments. RNs and CNAs must receive orientation and demonstrate current competence to provide care in a unit or clinical area prior to being assigned to work there.
- Hospital staffing committees are preparing to submit 2026 hospital staffing plan proposals for CEO review and written feedback. Final approved 2026 staffing plans are due to the Department of Health by Jan. 1, 2026.
Also beginning July 1, 2025 the Hospital & Hospital Staffing Complaint Process will include the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries in partnership with the Department of Health. Staffing complaints submitted to the Hospital Staffing Committee may be investigated if unresolved within 60 days.
The Department of Health will continue to investigate staffing complaints, but complaints that are not about patient safety will also be referred to L&I for investigation. Complaints related to breaks and mandatory overtime may also be submitted directly to L&I.
For more information about hospital staffing committees and Washington hospital staffing law implementation resources, please visit TogetherForPatientCareWA.com or email Gena Cooper at genac@wsha.org. (Gena Cooper)