WEMSIS Rules Development

Public Notification

The Department of Health's (department) Office of Community Health Systems officially filed a CR-101 with the Office of the Code Reviser on August 6, 2020, to open WAC 246-976 Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems. The WSR number is 20-17-011.

The Department of Health's Office of Community Health Systems officially filed a CR-102 with the Office of the Code Reviser on March 5, 2024, to open WAC 246-976 Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care Systems. The WSR number is 24-06-084 (PDF).

See Public Comment section below for information on how to submit a comment.

EMS Data System Rulemaking Updated August 22, 2024

The Department of Health's Office of Community Health Systems officially filed a CR-103P on July 23, 2024, for WAC 246-976 Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care. The WSR number is 24-15-130.

EMS Data Rules Webinar – September 5, 2024

The Department of Health's Office of Community Health Systems, Emergency Care System Section officially filed a CR-103P with the Office of the Code Reviser on August 22, 2024, for WAC 246-976-455 Emergency Medical Services Data System. The rules will be effective on September 30, 2024.

Summary of new rules related to WEMSIS.

Links to rule documents and WAC:

Webinars

The department’s WEMSIS program will be hosting two webinars (same content) to provide an overview of the rules: WAC 246-976-445 and 455- New EMS Data System rules on reporting and other mandated tasks.

September 19, 2024, at 3 p.m. – Online Microsoft Teams Link: Join the meeting

October 3, 2024, at 3 p.m. – Online Microsoft Teams Link: Join the meeting

If you are unable to attend, the team can meet with your local service to address any questions, email us at WEMSIS@doh.wa.gov.

EMS Data Reporting Policy Statement – September 09, 2024

The Department of Health has issued a policy statement postponing enforcement of data reporting requirements using the Washington Emergency Medical Services Information System (WEMSIS) for licensed ambulance and aid services (RCW 70.168.090, WAC 246-976-455). This policy is effective from September 30, 2024, to December 31, 2024. The scope of this policy is limited to the electronic data reporting requirements for EMS providers set forth in RCW 70.168.090 and WAC 246-976-455(3).

See the complete policy for full details and parameters.

This policy statement will expire on January 1, 2025.

Policy WEMSIS24-01 EMS Data Reporting (PDF)

EMS Rules Resources – October 2, 2024

The Department of Health, in response to feedback and questions from EMS stakeholders, has developed two tools to clarify WEMSIS Rules WAC 246-976-455.

WEMSIS Reporting Guidance – Flowcharts (PDF). A guide to reporting requirements for a variety of activation scenarios.
WEMSIS Frequently Asked Questions. Answers to common questions on rules.

EMS Rules Resources – December 17, 2024

The Washington EMS Information System (WEMSIS) is releasing guidance for EMS data reporting requirements related to Cancelled Prehospital Activations and Race.

This guidance is intended to provide context to reporting requirements described in WAC 256-976-455.

Meeting Announcement

Webinars

September 19, 2024, at 3 p.m. – Online Microsoft Teams Link: Join the meeting

October 3, 2024, at 3 p.m. – Online Microsoft Teams Link: Join the meeting

Stakeholder Meeting Schedule

All scheduled stakeholder meetings are open public meetings. The schedule provided is intended as a guide for streamlining work and maintaining meeting order. Meeting focus and frequency is subject to change. Please check back frequently for updates.

Date and Time	Location	Meeting Focus and Materials
November 17, 2020 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.	Online	Introduction & Review WAC 246-976 proposed changes and additions Meeting minutes (PDF) Presentation (PDF)
December 14, 2020 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.	Online	Review WAC 246-976 proposed changes and additions related to EMS data Meeting minutes (PDF)
January 13, 2021 10 a.m. to noon	Canceled	Review WAC 246-976 proposed changes and additions related to EMS data Meeting agenda (PDF)
February 16, 2021 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.	Online	Review WAC 246-976 proposed changes and additions related to EMS data Meeting agenda (PDF)
March 15, 2021 2 to 4 p.m.	Online	Review WAC 246-976 proposed changes and additions related to EMS data

Public Comment

How do I comment?

By attending public hearing in person on:

April 16, 2024, at 9 a.m.

Department of Health
Town Center 2, Room 166
111 Israel Rd. S.E.
Tumwater, WA 98501

By attending the public hearing virtually on Zoom:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

By letter:

Jim Jansen
Department of Health
P.O. Box 47853
Olympia, WA 98504-8753

By email:

Send an email to WEMSIS@doh.wa.gov.

Online:

By posting a comment on the Department of Health's Public Comments webpage.

Rule-making Process

CR-101 rule inquiry stage – drafting of proposed rules

The Department of Health is currently in the CR-101 phase of rulemaking for EMS data rules in chapter 246-976 WAC. This first phase of rulemaking is the inquiry phase. This phase allows interested parties to participate in the rule development process from the beginning.

CR-102 rule proposal phase – preparing the proposed rules

After a number of workshops, the Department of Health will carefully review and consider all advisory opinions gathered during the rule drafting and comment phases. From this, the department will create proposed rules that will be filed in a CR-102 rules package with the Office of the Code Reviser. This filing will be distributed on our website.

CR-103 – adoption phase of rules

Depending on the outcome of a public hearing that will be scheduled during the CR-102 phase, the department will file a final revised rule with the Office of the Code Reviser as part of the rule adoption phase (CR-103). When the rule becomes effective 31 days from its filing date, the department will notify all stakeholders and interested parties of the official effective date of the revised rules.