Washington nursing board and license resources
Official links for nurses licensed in Washington, whether you're facing a complaint, on probation, or just renewing.
Good to know: WHPS has been renamed the CARES Program. A monitoring stipend can cover up to 80% of eligible out-of-pocket costs. Licensing runs through HELMS: after logging in to SAW, add HELMS (Department of Health). WABON warns about fake SAW ads, so use only official links.
Board of nursing
Licenses nurses in Washington, investigates complaints, and issues board orders.
Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON, formerly the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission)License portal login
Log in to renew your license, update your address, or check your license online.
HELMS via SecureAccess Washington (SAW) loginBoard of pharmacy
Oversees prescribing and controlled substances. Relevant if your case involves medications or you hold prescriptive authority.
Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance CommissionState nurses association
A professional organization for nurses, not the board. Members get resources, advocacy and support.
Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA)Peer assistance program
A confidential program that supports nurses with substance use or mental health concerns, sometimes as an alternative to discipline.
WABON CARES Program (formerly Washington Health Professional Services, WHPS)
Links checked October 2026. Boards change their websites from time to time. If a link doesn't work, let us know and we'll fix it.
This page is general information, not legal advice. For your situation, talk with a nursing license defense attorney licensed in your state.
Facing a complaint or probation in Washington?
Start with these free guides, then come talk with nurses who've been there.
Got a Letter From the Nursing Board? What to Do FirstReceived a complaint or investigation letter from your state board of nursing? Here's what to do in the first days, what to avoid, and how to protect your license.8 min read 
What Nursing Probation Actually Looks Like (and How to Get Through It)A clear look at common nursing probation terms: drug screens, supervised practice, employer reports, narcotics restrictions and more, plus tips for completing probation successfully.9 min read 
Can You Get a Nursing Job While on Probation? Yes. Here's How.Finding a nursing job with a probationary or restricted license is hard but possible. Learn which settings hire nurses on probation, how to disclose, and where to look.6 min read 
Do You Need a Nursing License Defense Attorney?When should a nurse hire a license defense attorney for a board complaint or investigation? What they do, what it costs, and how to choose the right one.6 min read