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.
Current rules in progress
1. Health equity continuing education for audiologists, hearing aid specialists, speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathologist assistants
We’re proposing new rules (WAC 246-828-505) and updates to existing ones (WAC 246-828-510) to include health equity education. This is because of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5229 (ESSB 5229 chapter 276, Laws 2021).
Important Dates:
- CR-102 filed September 12, 2023, as WSR #23-19-030 (PDF)
- CR-101 filed January 23, 2023, as WSR #23-04-022 (PDF)
2. Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
The Board of Hearing and Speech is making changes to WAC 246-828-100, which sets the minimum standards for how hearing aids are fitted and dispensed. These changes are being made to align our rules with the latest federal regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA, in 2022, established specific rules (21 C.F.R. Parts 800, 801, 808, and 874) about how over-the-counter hearing aids can be sold.
Important Dates:
- CR-102 filed September 20, 2023, as WSR #23-19-102 (PDF)
- CR-101 filed January 23, 2023, as WSR #23-04-023 (PDF)