Rules in Progress - Certified Counselors

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 get updates about rule making and other topics related to certified counselors, subscribe for updates at the bottom of the page.

Current rules in progress

1. Rules workshops for reviewing the draft rule language for coursework requirements for the new certified agency affiliated counselor and licensed agency affiliated counselor credentials

The Department of Health is hosting three workshops to review the draft rule language created for the coursework requirements for the new certified agency affiliated counselor and licensed agency affiliated counselor credentials created by HB 1724. The department will provide an overview of the bills that initiated this rulemaking, the approximate rulemaking timeline, and ask for feedback about the developed coursework draft rule language. The department will also be providing recommendations from the Certified Counselor and Hypnotherapist Advisory Committee for certified counselors and certified advisers. We are looking for information and opinions from behavioral health providers, employers, behavioral health agencies, professional organizations, educational organizations, tribal partners, and any other interested parties who would like to participate.

You don't need to register in advance to participate in the workshop. You may join using the meeting link or phone number listed below. Please note the login information is the same for both sessions.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device 
Meeting ID: 288 172 217 197 
Passcode: GXP5cr 

Download Teams | Join on the web
Or call in (audio only) 
+1 564-999-2000,,549716068#  United States, Olympia 
Phone Conference ID: 549 716 068# 

Meeting topics include:

• Draft language for student interns
• Draft language for CAAC coursework requirements
• Draft language for LAAC coursework requirements
• Draft language for certified counselors and certified advisers 

Workshop Information

The department has scheduled the following workshops, although more will be added if needed: 

Opportunities for Feedback

You may monitor the progress of rule making through this webpage or sign up for our GovDelivery notification system.

You may also email written ideas or recommendations.

2. Health Equity Continuing Education Requirements

The Department of Health amended WAC 246-810-027 and WAC 246-810-0298 and created a new section WAC 246-810-0299, to implement Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5229 (health equity continuing education) adding health equity CE to licensure requirements for certified counselors.

• CR-102 filed on August 1, 2023, as WSR #23-16-128 (PDF)
• CR-103 filed on November 3, 2023 as WSR #23-23-033 (PDF)

3. Certified counselor and adviser fee increase

• CR 103 (WSR 23-07-057) (PDF)

State law RCW 43.70.250 requires that the cost of regulating each profession be paid for by that profession’s credential fees. Based on the financial forecast, the department will implement a fee increase to bring the profession’s fund balance into the recommended range. The attached Cost Driver document (PDF) includes proposed fee changes and financial information about your profession, including budget trends, and the financial forecast.

As of June 1, 2023, the fee schedule for certified counselors and certified advisers will be the following:

More agency rule resources

• Department of Health Rule Making
• State Board of Health rules
• Other Department rules in Washington Administrative Code Title 246