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)
Finalizing the Draft Rules
The hearing for the draft rules was held on January 7, 2025, and the department is no longer accepting comments or suggestions on the language. The final rules will be filed with the code revisor in the next couple of months, with an effective date of July 1, 2025. The CR-103 form with the draft language will be posted on this webpage once the documents are filed and approved by the code revisor.
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.