Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants - Rules in Progress

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.

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Current rules in progress

Health Equity Training for Occupational Therapy (WAC 246-847-065)

The rule-making process for health equity continuing competency training in occupational therapy is currently underway. Key milestones include:

In response to RCW 43.70.613(3)(b), health professions licensed under Title 18 RCW, including occupational therapy, are required to incorporate health equity continuing competency training every four years. The Department of Health has established model rules (filed on November 23, 2022, under WSR 22-23-167) for the minimum standards of health equity continuing education programs. 

The Occupational Therapy Practice Board is in the process of developing rules (WAC 246-847-065) aligned with these model rules, specifically in compliance with Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5229 (Chapter 276, Laws of 2021). The adopted rule with introduce two hours of health equity education every four years, seamlessly integrated into the existing continuing competency requirements.

Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact

Another ongoing rule-making effort pertains to the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, with the following key milestones:

The Department of Health is introducing a new rule, WAC 246-847-991, to Implement Senate Bill (SB) 5118 (Chapter 152, Laws of 2022). This bill establishes an interstate licensure compact for occupational therapy, allowing member states to determine fees for compact privileges. The new rule defines the compact fees and outlines the renewal cycle for occupational therapy licensure compact privileges.

More agency rule resources