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 receive information about rule making and other topics related to substance use disorder professionals, subscribe for updates at the bottom of the page.
Current rules in progress
Workshop Information
The department of health (department) is holding the second set of workshops to discuss ongoing rulemaking filed in WSR 24-10-011 (PDF). Both workshops will review the draft language for this rulemaking; you do not need to attend both sessions. You do not need to register in advance. The sessions are scheduled for July 30th and August 1st from 11:00am-12:30pm. Links to join the meeting are found below.
July 30 at 11 a.m. to noon
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 287 027 375 237
Passcode: GJZQWg
Dial in by phone
+1 564-999-2000,,412619034# United States, Olympia
(833) 322-1218,,412619034# United States (Toll-free)
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 412 619 034#
August 1 at 11 a.m. to noon
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 213 588 365 506
Passcode: afHV2g
Dial in by phone
+1 564-999-2000,,880267542# United States, Olympia
(833) 322-1218,,880267542# United States (Toll-free)
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 880 267 542#
Prior Workshop Materials
Presentation Slides: Education (PDF)
Presentation Slides: Trainee Requirements (PDF)
Presentation Slides: Supervision (PDF)
1. Emergency rules have been filed
The Department of Health (department) has filed WSR 24-12-078 (PDF) to amend the following Substance Use Disorder Professionals and Substance Use Disorder Professionals Trainees rules in WACs 246-811-010, 246-811-025, 246-811-030, 246-811-035, 246-811-045, 246-811-046, 246-811-048, 246-811-049, 246-811-060, 246-811-070, 246-811-220, 246-811-240, 246-811-260, 246-811-990, and creating WAC 246-811-310.
The department is adopting these emergency rules to reduce barriers to entering and remaining in the behavioral health workforce, to streamline the substance use disorder provider (SUDP) and trainee credentialing process, and to implement recent legislation. Legislation being implemented includes Second Substitute House Bill (2SHB) 1724, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill (E2SHB) 2247, and Second Substitute Senate Bill (2SSB) 6228.
These emergency rules will streamline the credentialing process by: (1) allowing certain educational programs to meet the coursework requirements of WAC 246-811-030 without further department review; (2) removing the limit on trainee credential renewals; (3) removing the requirement for trainees to work in behavioral health agencies; (4) removing the seven-year cap on earned trainee experience; (5) lowering the experience requirements for approved supervisors; (6) removing the requirement that supervisors be on site with trainees after the first 50 hours of supervised experience; (7) reducing the minimum continuing education requirements for SUDPs; (8) implementing out of state substantial equivalency applicant criteria to align with RCW 18.130.077; and (9) temporarily reducing certification and renewal fees to $100 per year.
These emergency rules will be continued while permanent rulemaking is in progress under WSR 24-10-011 (PDF), filed April 18, 2024. Information about the permanent rulemaking process is below.
See the Emergency Rules WAC Chapter (PDF) for full details of immediate changes.