Laws and Regulations

Washington State Legislation

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is the list of laws in effect. The Washington State Legislature writes the laws that are in the RCW. An RCW give state agencies the authority to administer rules. The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) is the list of rules that state agencies administer. A Sunrise Review is an evaluation of a proposal to change the laws regulating health professionals in Washington.

The Access Washington webpages have information about Washington State laws and rules, as well as how a bill becomes a law. The RCW and WAC that relate to genetic services and screening for hearing loss include:

Genetics laws and rules RCW WAC
Down Syndrome Resources for Parents    
Birthing Centers RCW 18.46  
Midwives RCW 18.50  
Osteopaths RCW 18.57  
Osteopathic Physician Assistants RCW 18.57A  
Physicians RCW 18.71  
Physican Assistants RCW 18.71A  
Nurses RCW 18.79  
Genetic Counselors RCW 18.290  
The Department of Health RCW 43.70.738  
Hospitals RCW 70.41.500  
Prenatal Testing: Use and Availability RCW 70.54.220 WAC 246-680
Prenatal Testing: Coverage RCW 48.42.090  
Prenatal Diagnosis: Benefits RCW 48.44.344 WAC 246-680
  RCW 48.46.375  
  RCW 48.21.244  
Newborn Screening RCW 70.83 WAC 246-650
Newborn Hearing Screening No laws or rules. Encouraged by Washington State Board of Health.
Cord Blood Banking RCW 70.54.220 Rules not yet adopted.
Genetic Testing and Employment RCW 49.44.180  
Healthcare Information Access and Disclosure RCW 70.02  
Consanguinity (Prohibited Marriages) RCW 26.04.020  
Paternity Testing RCW 26.26 (400-450)  
Uniform Parentage RCW 26.26 (710)  
Genetic Counseling Licensure RCW 18.290 WAC 246-825
Guaranteed Issue of Health Insurance RCW 48.43.035  

Back to Top

Federal Legislation

The federal laws that relate to genetic services and screening for hearing loss include:

Title:

Public Law Number:

Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act 110-374
Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA) 110-233
Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act 110-204
Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act 109-129

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

108-446
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 104-191

Legislative Links of Interest

Washington

Federal