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.
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Current Rules in Progress
The Board of Optometry (board) has filed a CR105 correcting RCW citations in WAC 246-851-490, Examination and Licensure. The board is proposing amendments to WAC 246-851-490 to correct cross references to subsections in RCW 18.53.010.
Recently Completed Rules
Changing the scope for optometrists - The board of Optometry is adopting new WAC 246-851-515 and amendments to WACs 246-851-400, 246-851-410, and 246-851-570 through 246-851-600. The adopted rules are in response to the statutory changes created by Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5389 (chapter 400, laws of 2023), codified in RCW 18.54.010.
- CR-101 filed on July 25, 2023, as WSR #23-16-043 (PDF)
- CR-102 filed on August 26, 2024, as WSR 24-18-029 (PDF)
- CR-103P filed on November 14, 2024, as WSR 24-23-044 (PDF)
Advance Procedures Reporting
In the 2023 legislation session, Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5389 (PDF), Practice of Optometry- Modifications, was passed into law. Within this bill it states “the board in coordination with the department of health must analyze and report on the outcomes of the advanced procedures authorized in RCW 18.53.010 during the previous year. The report should include any complications or adverse events related to the performance of advanced procedures. The data should be aggregated and not identify any individual provider or facility and may not reveal any confidential information. The department of health must make this report publicly available on its website."
In 2024 the board passed WAC 246-851-515 (4) stating “A licensed optometrist shall report every advanced procedure authorized under RCW 18.53.010 (2) and include any complications or adverse events during their annual reporting period. The reporting period ends December 31, 2028.”
The board has created a reporting form for licensed optometrists to use to report any advance procedures. Data collection will be starting in 2026 when all advance procedures must be reported for the previous year (2025).
Continuing education - The board of Optometry is adopting an amendment to WAC 246-851-490 that removes the jurisprudence (JP) examination requirement from initial licensure. The board is also adopting amendments to WAC 246-851-090 that adds the JP exam as a requirement for a licensed optometrist’s first full CE reporting period, allowing it to count for a maximum of three hours within the existing CE hour requirements.
- CR-101 filed on February 28, 2024, as WSR 24-06-033 (PDF)
- CR-102 filed on August 26, 2024, as WSR 24-18-030 (PDF)
- CR-103P filed on November 14, 2024, as WSR 24-23-045 (PDF)