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.
Implementation of 2SHB 1427 Peer Support Specialist
The department has filed a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (CR-102) for WAC 246-929, in order to implement the changes in 2SHB 1427 Certified Peer Support Specialists, which passed in 2025. The bill changes the titles of the profession from Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and Certified Peer Specialist Trainee (CPST) to Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) and Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee (CPSST).
The draft rule language can be found in the CR-102 document.
The department is using a more streamlined approach to implement the rule change because it is limited to just updating the name of the credential in WAC to match the statute. No other changes to the rule will be considered. Because we are opening this under limited rulemaking to align with statutory changes, there will be no public workshops to discuss the change and instead we are only hosting the public hearing.
Public Hearing
Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
The hearing will be held virtually. Please sign up in advance to attend this webinar.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
You may also provide written comments on the rules on our rules comments webpage. (go down to Certified Peer Specialists and Peer Trainees – amending credential titles in WAC 246-929)
If you have any further questions, please contact the program manager.
Join us for Peer Support Specialist Office Hours if you have questions about the new profession or the application process
The Department of Health is hosting Peer Support Specialist Office Hours to answer questions related to the peer applications, credentialing, continuing education, and other topics related to the peer support specialist profession. The department is hosting several sessions over the summer to help with the new profession, see dates below. Beginning September 9, 2025, office hours occur monthly on the second Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. Information to join the meeting is available below. If you would like the department to include you in the recurring invitation, email the program manager.
Summer Office Hours
| Date | Time | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| August 6, 2025 | 2 p.m. | Wednesday |
| August 12, 2025 | 10 a.m. | Tuesday |
| August 22, 2025 | 1 p.m. | Friday |
| August 26, 2025 | 11 a.m. | Tuesday |
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Meeting ID: 222 878 291 021 5
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Phone conference ID: 477 079 388#
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Current Rules in Progress
HB 1427 – Certified Peer Support Specialist
House Bill 1427 was signed into law on May 19, 2025. This bill changes the name of the profession to Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS), removes outdated language around the advisory committee that was stricken from the original bill by veto. The department will begin rulemaking later in the summer of 2025.
SB 5555 – Rule Language Adoption
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. These rules will go into effect on July 1, 2025. The applications and forms for the profession will not be available until that time.
Ethical Guidelines
Please note that the Ethical Guidelines are not a part of the rule process, therefore they are not included in the CR-103 documents.
Contact the program manager with any questions.
*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.