Rules in Progress

The rule-making 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.

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Current Rules in Progress

Licensure Requirements: Second Substitute House Bill 1724 (SSHB 1724) – Increasing the Behavioral Health Workforce (2023) and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2247 (ESSHB 2247) – Addressing behavioral health provider shortages (2024)

Permanent Rulemaking

The following document includes the official amended rule language: 

Explanation of changes: The Examining Board of Psychology (board) is updating licensure standards and implementing recent legislation, including Second Substitute House Bill (2SHB) 1724 and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill (E2SHB) 2247. The board is amending licensure requirements including but not limited to: telehealth standards; the application process; education requirements; supervised experience requirements; approved supervisor requirements; residency and educational meeting standards; and telesupervision standards.

You can review the updated rules and supplemental documentation as follows:

Emergency Rulemaking

Section 6(a) of SSHB 1724 requires the board to adopt emergency rules by July 1, 2024, to implement changes to licensing requirements to remove barriers to entering and remaining in the health care workforce and to streamline the credentialing process. Here are the emergency rules that have been adopted:

Psychology Fees: Substitute House Bill 1286 (SHB 1286) Psychology Compact (2022) and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill (ESSHB 2247)  – Addressing behavioral health provider shortages (2024)

The following document includes the official proposed rule language:

Explanation of changes: The Department of Health is making revisions to: 1) update the application, renewal, and other fees for a psychologist license, 2) establish a fee schedule for the newly created psychological associate license, and 3) establish a fee schedule for participation in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (Psypact).

The revisions are being considered in accordance with RCW 43.70.250, which mandates that the costs of professional licensing programs "be fully borne by the members of that profession" through fees. The Examining Board of Psychology's fees were last adjusted by the department in 2019. Since then, program expenses have increased, and the current revenue from fees is no longer sufficient to cover program costs and maintain an appropriate reserve balance.

Additionally, recent legislation SHB 1286 and ESSBH 2247 requires the department to establish fees to fund the licensure and regulation of compact participation and the psychological associate license in Washington state.

You can review the updated rules and supplemental documentation as follows:

Public Comment: The public comment period for this rules package ended on April 22, 2025. Stay tuned for information on the final filing of the proposed rules.

More Agency Rule Resources