How can I participate in rulemaking?
The rules writing process is open to the public and welcomes public feedback to assist the department in writing rules. Rules are also known as regulations, Washington Administrative Code, or WAC. The rule-making process includes public notices, workshops, and typically a public hearing before a rule becomes final.
Current Rules in Progress
Draft Rule Language
The Department of Health (department) would like to thank all of our partners, stakeholders, and interested parties who have collaborated with the department over the last year to develop the draft rule language and ethical guidelines for the new Certified Peer Specialist credential.
The updated draft of this rule language is below, along with an updated version of the Ethical guidelines for the profession. The language is based on the statutory requirements in RCW 18.420 along with feedback from the 14 public workshops held from October 2023 through September 2024. Note: the language is provided in the official format of the Code Revisor’s office and does not have the track changes option to see the difference from previous versions.
- WAC 246-929 – Draft Rule Language for Certified Peer Specialists (PDF)
- Draft Ethical Guidelines for Certified Peer Specialists (PDF)
- CR 102 form (initiates hearing date and provides draft language (PDF)
Public Hearing
The public hearing for the rules is scheduled for January 7, 2025, at 2 p.m. In order to attend you will need to register prior to the hearing date. Register for the Peer Specialist rules hearing.
If you are not able to attend the public hearing, you may provide written comments until 11:59 p.m. on January 7, 2025. After that date the department will no longer accept comments on the rules. You may provide written comments to the rules via the department's website (search for "Certified Peer Specialists and Peer Trainees – establishing certification standards in WAC 246-929").
Ethical Guidelines
Please note that the Ethical Guidelines are not a part of the rule process, therefore comments, questions, or concerns on the guidelines need to be sent separately. Please email the Program Manager or the email program staff members (PeerSpecialists@doh.wa.gov).
*Peer Specialist is a new program regulated by the Department of Health. This page will be updated regularly with upcoming implementation information. All updates and information received will also be sent out via GovDelivery listserv, subscribe to ensure you receive these future updates.