Washington State Legislation
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is the list of laws in effect. The Washington State Legislature writes the laws that are in the RCW. An RCW gives state agencies the authority to administer rules. The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) is the list of rules that state agencies administer. A Sunrise Review is an evaluation of a proposal to change the laws regulating health professionals in Washington.
The Access Washington webpages have information about Washington State laws and rules, as well as how a bill becomes a law. The RCW and WAC that relate to genetic services and screening for hearing loss include:
| Genetics laws and rules | RCW | WAC |
|---|---|---|
| Genetics laws and rules Down Syndrome Resources for Parents: Birthing Centers | RCW RCW 18.46 | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Down Syndrome Resources for Parents: Midwives | RCW | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Down Syndrome Resources for Parents: Osteopaths | RCW RCW 18.57 | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Down Syndrome Resources for Parents: Osteopathic Physician Associates | RCW RCW 18.57A | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Down Syndrome Resources for Parents: Physicians | RCW RCW 18.71 | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Down Syndrome Resources for Parents: Physician Associate | RCW RCW 18.71A | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Down Syndrome Resources for Parents: Nurses | RCW RCW 18.79 | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Down Syndrome Resources for Parents: Genetic Counselors | RCW RCW 18.290 | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Down Syndrome Resources for Parents: The Department of Health | RCW RCW 43.70.738 | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Down Syndrome Resources for Parents: Hospitals | RCW RCW 70.41.500 | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Prenatal Testing: Use and Availability | RCW RCW 70.54.220 | WAC WAC 246-680 |
| Genetics laws and rules Prenatal Testing: Coverage | RCW RCW 48.42.090 | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Prenatal Diagnosis: Benefits | RCW | WAC WAC 246-680 |
| Genetics laws and rules Newborn Screening | RCW RCW 70.83 | WAC WAC 246-650 |
| Genetics laws and rules Newborn Hearing Screening | RCW No laws or rules. | WAC Encouraged by Washington State Board of Health. |
| Genetics laws and rules Cord Blood Banking | RCW RCW 70.54.220 | WAC Rules not yet adopted. |
| Genetics laws and rules Genetic Testing and Employment | RCW RCW 49.44.180 | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Healthcare Information Access and Disclosure | RCW RCW 70.02 | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Consanguinity (Prohibited Marriages) | RCW RCW 26.04.020 | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Paternity Testing | RCW RCW 26.26 (400-450) | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Uniform Parentage | RCW RCW 26.26 (710) | WAC |
| Genetics laws and rules Genetic Counseling Licensure | RCW RCW 18.290 | WAC WAC 246-825 |
| Genetics laws and rules Guaranteed Issue of Health Insurance | RCW RCW 48.43.035 | WAC |
Federal Legislation
The federal laws that relate to genetic services and screening for hearing loss include:
| Title | Public Law Number |
|---|---|
| Title Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act | Public Law Number 110-374 |
| Title Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA) | Public Law Number 110-233 |
| Title Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act | Public Law Number 110-204 |
| Title Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act | Public Law Number 109-129 |
| Title Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) | Public Law Number 108-446 |
| Title Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) | Public Law Number 104-191 |
Legislative Links of Interest
Washington
- The Department of Health Rules page has information about rules administered by the Department of Health.
- The Washington State Board of Health develops and promotes policies that protect and improve the public's health. Projects have included looking at Genetics and Privacy, Newborn Screening, and Report: Universal Newborn Hearing Screening 2012 (PDF).
- The Washington State Public Affairs TV Network, also known as TVW, has audio and visual coverage of Washington State legislative sessions and public affairs events.
- The Washington State Office of Financial Management has information about the state budget.
Federal
- The Library of Congress web page has information on federal legislation.
- The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has an online Guide to GINA.
- The US Department of Education has information about IDEA Part-C - Infants and Toddler with Disabilities.
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has information about HIPAA.