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 get updates about rule making and other topics related to optometrists, subscribe for updates at the bottom of the page.
Current rules in progress
Changing the scope for optometrists.
The Board of Optometry is proposing to amend, establish new, and possibly repeal sections in chapter 246-851 WAC to implement Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5389 (chapter 400, laws of 2023), which expands the optometrist scope of practice to include certain advance procedures and establishes requirements for a license endorsement.
Changing the scope of practice for optometrists. The Board of Optometry is proposing amendments to WAC 246-851-400, 246-851-410, 246-851-570 through 246-851-600 and establishing a new section WAC 246-851-515 to implement Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5389 (chapter 400, laws of 2023), which expands the optometrist scope of practice to include certain advanced procedures and establishes requirements for a license endorsement.
Continuing education
The Board of Optometry filed WSR 24-06-033 on February 28, 2024, a CR-101 (PDF), for chapter 24-851 WAC. The board is considering amendments to comply with Second Substitute House Bill (2SHB) 1724 (chapter 425, Laws of 2023).
The Board of Optometry is proposing to remove the jurisprudence (JP) exam requirement from the initial licensure in WAC 246-851-490, and add the JP exam as a requirement from a licensed optometrist first full continuing (CE) reporting period in WAC 246-851-090 to be included with the existing CE hour requirement. This is to comply with Section 8 of Second Substitute House Bill (2SHB) 1724 (chapter 425, laws of 2023) codified as RCW 18.130.077.