Rule Making

The Department of Health's mission is to protect and improve the health of people in Washington State. We work with federal, state, and local partners to help people in Washington stay healthy and safe.

The Secretary of Health enforces all laws and rules created for the protection of public health and all rules established by the State Board of Health.

The Department of Health adopts rules according to its statutory authority and consistent with the state's Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The Department of Health's rules are administered under Title 246 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Statutory authority is given to the Department by the Washington State Legislature through the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

The links provided below show the current listing of Department of Health rules proposed or under consideration, and rules adopted within the last 12 months.

• Rules proposed or under consideration
• Rules adopted within the last 12 months
• Commenting on rules

Other Rule-Making Information

The Department of Health rules are administered under Title 246 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Statutory authority is given to the Department by the Washington State Legislature through the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

• State Board of Health and Department of Health semi-annual rule-making agenda (PDF)
• Rules process for the Department of Health
• Subscribe to Rule Making updates
• RCW 34.05 The Administrative Procedures Act framework and agency rule adoption process
• RCW 19.85, The Regulatory Fairness Act identifies when a Small Business Economic Impact Statement (SBEIS)