Rule making is the process the Department of Health uses when proposing to create, change, or delete rules in order to protect public health. To learn more, see the department’s “What is Rule Making?” webpage.
To get updates about rule-making projects and other topics, select "Subscribe for Updates" at the bottom of the page.
Current rules in progress
- Ambulatory Surgical Facilities Licensing Fees
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CR-101 – Opening of In-Home Services rules to address licensing fees – WSR 25-16-015 (PDF)
The Department of Health filed a CR-102 under WSR 26-21-071 on October 20, 2026, proposing rule amendments in WAC 246-330-199 to update fees for Ambulatory Surgical Facilities. The department is also proposing changes to clarify and standardize language.
A public rules hearing is scheduled for December 1, 2026, at 2 p.m. Below are instructions for commenting on the proposed rule, information on registering for the rules hearing, and supporting documents.
You may provide comments on the proposed rule using one of the following options:
- Online: See the Department of Health Rules Comment website
- Send comments by email (HSQAfeerules@doh.wa.gov).
- By mail: Attn: Heather Cantrell, P.O. Box 47850, Olympia, WA 98504-7850
Public Rules Hearing Registration Information for December 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
This public hearing will be held virtually. Register for the public rules hearing webinar.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Supporting Documents:
- CR-102 (PDF) – includes the official draft of the proposed rule language
- Uniform Facility Enforcement Tools and Background Check Standardization
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The Department of Health filed a CR-101 (PDF) to consider amending ambulatory surgical facility, in-home services agency, residential treatment facility, and behavioral health agency licensing requirements as they relate to implementing a uniform enforcement tool as provided by Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5271 (PDF) (chapter 121, Laws of 2024). The department will also consider standardizing background check requirements for these facility types.
A brief rulemaking kickoff meeting to provide more information on this project is scheduled for:
When: Wed, Nov 19, 2025 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Where: This meeting will be held via Teams. Please register here.
- Updating references to pharmacy rules within WAC chapters for hospitals, ambulatory surgical facilities, in-home services agencies, and residential treatment facilities.
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The Department of Health has filed a CR-103 (PDF) amending WAC 246-320-200 pharmaceutical services for ambulatory surgical facility licensing regulations in addition to WAC sections for other facility types. The purpose of this rulemaking is to correct references to outdated pharmacy rule citations.
This rule goes into effect on June 30, 2025.