Rules in Progress
The rules writing process is open to the public. The public is welcome to take part in helping us write rules. Rules are also known as regulations, Washington Administrative Code, or WAC. The rule-making process includes public notices and workshops, and usually a public hearing before a rule becomes final.
To receive information about rule making and other topics related to substance use disorder professionals, subscribe for updates at the bottom of the page.
Current rules in progress
1. Emergency rules will be filed by July 1, 2024, to implement recent legislation
Recent legislation will have an upcoming impact on substance use disorder professionals (SUDP) and SUDP trainees. Subscribe to GovDelivery to ensure you receive email notifications when these emergency rules are filed. Some changes include:
a. A fee cap of $100 for renewal and certification fees applied to SUDPs and SUDPTs (SB 6228 (PDF))
b. Removing the limitation on credential renewals for SUDPTs (HB 2247 (PDF))
c. Removing the requirement for SUDPTs to work in state-licensed behavioral health agencies (HB 2247 (PDF))
d. Recommendations to reduce barriers to entering and remaining in the behavioral health workforce under HB 1724 (PDF)
2. Rules workshops for reviewing the recommendations required to implement recent legislation
The Department of Health is hosting the first set of workshops to review the recommendations required to implement recent legislation, including House Bill 1724, House Bill 2247, and Senate Bill 6228, as filed in WSR 24-10-011 (PDF). The department will also review a petition that was filed to amend WAC 246-811-030.
The department will provide an overview of the bills that initiated this rulemaking, the approximate rulemaking timeline, and ask for feedback about the possible rule language that may be adopted. We are looking for information and opinions from substance use disorder professionals, employers, behavioral health agencies, professional organizations, educational organizations, tribal partners, and any other interested parties who would like to participate.
You don't need to register in advance to participate in the workshop. You may join using the meeting link or phone number listed below. Please note the login information is different for the morning sessions and the evening sessions.
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 244 542 813 117
Passcode: jTH2UU
Dial in by phone
+1 564-999-2000,,111871142# United States, Olympia
(833) 322-1218,,111871142# United States (Toll-free)
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 111 871 142#
Evening Sessions
Join the meeting
Meeting ID: 231 717 413 389
Passcode: trMrmv
Dial in by phone
+1 564-999-2000,,47765706# United States, Olympia
(833) 322-1218,,47765706# United States (Toll-free)
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 477 657 06#
Meeting topics include:
- Education requirements
- SUDP Trainee Requirements
- Supervision Requirements, Approved Supervisors
Workshop Information
The department has scheduled the following workshops with morning and evening options for attendance, although more will be added to review rule language once it has been drafted:
| Date and Time | Topic | Materials |
|---|---|---|
|
June 26, 2024 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and |
Education and CE Requirements | |
|
June 27, 2024 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and |
Trainee Requirements | |
|
June 28, 2024 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
Supervision, Approved Supervisors |
3. The Department of Health has filed a CR-101 with the Office of the Code Reviser to continue the work to increase the behavioral health workforce by reducing barriers to licensure and streamlining the credentialing process, as required in HB 1724.
WSR 24-10-011 (PDF), filed on April 18, 2024, for chapter 246-811 WAC, considers amending chapter 246-811 WAC, and possibly repealing or creating new sections.
The department is considering rule amendments to implement legislation, including Second Substitute House Bill (2SHB) 1724 (chapter 425, Laws of 2023), Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill (E2SHB) 2247 (chapter 371, Laws of 2024), and Second Substitute Senate Bill (2SSB) 6228 (chapter 366, Laws of 2024). To implement this legislation, the department will consider reducing barriers to entering and remaining in the behavioral health care workforce, measures to streamline and shorten the credentialing process, and other amendments to the chapter as appropriate. This may include: (1) Amending continuing education requirements; (2) Amending requirements for approved supervisors; (3) Amending education requirements that necessitate department review; (4) Amending requirements for out-of-state applicants, and (5) Limiting the credential application and renewal fees to $100 per year.
Additionally, pursuant to a 2022 petition, the department may consider requiring an associate degree for certification and other possible changes to how coursework is verified.
As part of the rule-making process, the department welcomes your participation in a series of rulemaking workshops, scheduled above. During the workshops we welcome ideas, concerns, and general comments on how to best develop regulations pertaining to the proposed amendments.