Maintaining a current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license is required for employment and legal practice in Washington State. Verifying your credential status ensures compliance with state regulations and confirms your authorization to provide patient care. This verification protects your professional standing and allows employers to confirm your eligibility before hiring you. Understanding how to check and interpret your license status is a fundamental professional responsibility.
The Official Washington DOH Verification Tool
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) manages the official database for all healthcare provider credentials. This definitive online resource is formally known as the Provider Credential Search. This tool is the most reliable and accepted source of information on a license’s standing. Individuals should rely exclusively on this state-run search engine and avoid third-party verification websites.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Your Status
To begin the verification process, navigate to the DOH Provider Credential Search webpage. Select the specific credential type from the dropdown menu; for certified nursing assistants, choose “Nursing Assistant Certification – NC.” Next, enter either your full name or your complete credential number. Using the credential number typically yields the most direct search result. After inputting the necessary information, you may need to complete a security verification step, such as a CAPTCHA. Submitting the search displays a record containing your credential number, name, and current license status.
Interpreting Your Status Results
The status listed on the search result determines your legal authorization to work as a CNA in Washington. An “Active” status indicates that you have a current license and are legally eligible to practice. If the status is “Expired,” it means you failed to renew your license by the expiration date and are prohibited from practicing until reinstatement.
Other statuses reflect enforcement actions taken by the DOH against the credential. A status of “Active On Probation” means your license is current but is subject to provisional conditions due to a disciplinary matter. Similarly, “Active With Restrictions” indicates that an enforcement action limits your ability to practice in certain ways. A “Suspended” or “Revoked” status signifies that your authority to practice has been temporarily or permanently removed due to a serious disciplinary finding.
Addressing Non-Active Credentials
If your search returns a status other than “Active,” you must immediately cease practice as a CNA. The necessary next steps depend on the specific non-active status displayed. For an “Expired” credential, you must apply for renewal or reinstatement, which typically involves late fees and specific application forms. Individuals with a “Suspended,” “Revoked,” or restricted status must contact the DOH Health Systems Quality Assurance Division for clarification on the requirements for reinstatement. The DOH website provides access to the online renewal portal and customer service contact information.