Washington Revised Code Title 18. Businesses and Professions § 18.04.015. Purpose

(a) Persons who hold themselves out as licensees conduct themselves in a competent, ethical, and professional manner;

(b) A public authority be established that is competent to prescribe and assess the qualifications of certified public accountants;

(c) Persons other than licensees refrain from using the words “audit,” “review,” and “compilation” when designating a report customarily prepared by someone knowledgeable in accounting;

(d) A public authority be established to provide for consumer alerts and public protection information to be published regarding persons or firms who violate the provisions of chapter 294, Laws of 2001 or board rule and to provide general consumer protection information to the public; and

(e) The use of accounting titles likely to confuse the public be prohibited. However as of June 30, 2024, an individual holding a CPA-inactive certificate must be designated as a licensee with an inactive status.