Patients looking up a Skagit Regional Health provider may soon notice a different set of letters after a familiar name: APRN instead of ARNP.
The health system is beginning a transition to Washington's new professional title for advanced practice nurses. It is a change in wording, with the statewide switch taking effect June 30, 2027.
What do the letters mean?
ARNP stands for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, the current Washington title. APRN stands for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, the title that will replace it under House Bill 2416.
The Washington State Board of Nursing says the change brings Washington into line with the nationally recognized title and makes the terminology more consistent across states. The effective date also appears in state law.
What changes for patients?
The title changes. The Board of Nursing says the change leaves advanced practice nurses' education, certification, licensing requirements, scope of practice and professional authority unchanged.
In other words, the new abbreviation does not expand or reduce the care these nurses are authorized to provide.
Skagit Regional Health says it is starting its preparations now and aims to update affected systems and materials by March 2027. During that process, patients may see ARNP and APRN in different places. That March goal belongs to the health system; the statewide effective date remains June 30.
A useful check when choosing care
If a title on a provider profile is unfamiliar, ask the clinic what it means and which services that provider offers. You can also check a nurse's license status: the Washington Department of Health's credential-search guidance directs readers to Nursys for nursing credentials.
The letters may take a little getting used to. The practical question remains the same: finding a qualified provider whose services fit the care you need.
