The Washington State Department of Health's (DOH) 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.
DOH adopts rules according to its statutory authority and consistent with the state's Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 34.05 RCW. DOH's rules are administered under Title 246 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Statutory authority is given to DOH by the Washington State Legislature through the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).
The links provided below show the current listing of DOH rules proposed or under consideration, and rules adopted within the last 12 months.
Key Rulemaking Information
- State Board of Health and Department of Health semi-annual rulemaking agenda (PDF)
- Rules process for the Department of Health
- Subscribe to rulemaking updates
- The Administrative Procedures Act framework and agency rule adoption process, chapter 34.05 RCW
- The Regulatory Fairness Act identifies when a Small Business Economic Impact Statement (SBEIS), chapter 19.85 RCW
- Washington State Register rules index