How can I participate in rulemaking?
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
The department has filed a Notice of Proposed rulemaking (WSR 23-16-037) (PDF) to begin the process of drafting the rules for peer specialists as required in 2SSB 5555. The new, optional credentials must be available by July 1, 2025.
Rules Workshop for Developing the Certified Peer Specialist Credential
The Department of Health is hosting a series of workshops to begin developing the regulations around the new certified peer specialist credential created in 2SSB 5555 (PDF). The department will provide an overview of the rulemaking process and timelines and ask for feedback about the development of this profession. We are looking for information and opinions from peers, employers, behavioral health agencies, professional organizations, tribal partners, and any other interested parties who would like to participate.
The first workshops were in October and December 2023. See the October 23, 2023 Slide Deck Presentation (PDF).
The next phase of the workshops will be in April 2024. This is another information gathering workshop for DOH to ask questions on specific aspects of the profession in order to facilitate creating draft rules. Each of the workshops below will have the same agenda and same questions, so you do not need to attend all of them to provide your feedback and ideas.
You do not need to register in advance to participate in the workshop. You can join online using the meeting link below or by phone.
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Monday, April 8, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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Friday, April 19, 2024, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Meeting ID: 241 362 227 432
Passcode: Camfpr
Download Teams | Join on the web
Or call in (audio only)
+1 564-999-2000,,363837087# United States, Olympia
833-322-1218,,363837087# United States (Toll-free)
Phone Conference ID: 363 837 087#
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Meeting topics will include:
- Supervision requirements for peer specialist trainees
- Ethics of peer support
- Joint supervision requirements for peers to become a supervisor
- National certifications
- Continuing education providers.
Future Opportunities for Feedback
The department is continuing the rulemaking process for certified peer specialists. We anticipate having draft rules to review in June 2024 and we will schedule future workshops to discuss the draft rules and obtain feedback or recommendations.
You can monitor the progress of rulemaking through our Peer Specialist Rules In Progress webpage or sign up for our GovDelivery notification system.
You may also submit written ideas or recommendations by email.
*Peer specialist is a new program regulated by the Department of Health. Watch this space for information regarding upcoming rules workshops. Notification of workshops will also be announced via GovDelivery listserv.