The Registry

The OBRA Nursing Assistant Registry must be kept informed of your current name and address. If your address or name changes at any time after you are placed on the Registry, you must send written notification of this change to both the DSHS and the Washington State Department of Health. Use the Change of Address or Name Form found in the back of this handbook.

Note: Name changes MUST be accompanied by official supporting documentation, such as a copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other official document.

If you do not have a Change of Address or Name Form, you may send a letter to both the DSHS and the Washington State Department of Health stating your old name and address, your new name and address, your Social Security number, and your area code and telephone number.

Note: Under federal requirements, certification is no longer valid for any nursing assistant working in a nursing home who has had a lapse of twenty-four (24) consecutive months or more in the performance of paid nursing-related services. Your new employer must update your employment history by notifying the DSHS when you change jobs.