How Can I Participate in Rulemaking?
The rules writing process is open to the public and welcomes public feedback to assist the department in writing rules. Rules are also known as regulations, Washington Administrative Code, or WAC. The rule-making process includes public notices, workshops, and typically a public hearing before a rule becomes final.
Implementation of 2SHB 1427 Peer Support Specialist
The department has adopted final rulemaking (CR-103) for WAC 246-929, in order to implement the changes in 2SHB 1427 Certified Peer Support Specialists, which passed in 2025. The bill changes the titles of the profession from Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and Certified Peer Specialist Trainee (CPST) to Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) and Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee (CPSST). The rules will go into effect on November 3, 2025.
The final rule language can be found in the CR-103 document.
If you have any further questions, please contact the program manager.
Join us for Peer Support Specialist Office Hours if you have questions about the new profession or the application process
The Department of Health is hosting Peer Support Specialist Office Hours to answer questions related to the peer applications, credentialing, continuing education, and other topics related to the peer support specialist profession. The department is hosting these on the second Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. Information to join the meeting is available below. If you would like the department to include you in the recurring invitation, email the program manager.
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Meeting ID: 298 317 186 014 9
Passcode: QJ66M8DT
Dial in by phone
+1 564-999-2000,,430017152# United States, Olympia
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 430 017 152#
Current Rules in Progress
SB 5555 – Supervisory Report
The Department of Health (department) has implemented the rules to create the new credential on July 1, 2025. The second part of this bill requires a report to the legislature in December 2027 regarding the availability of certified peer support specialist who are approved supervisors in the workforce. This is required to see whether or not the supply of peers as supervisors is adequate for the number of peer trainees or if the legislature should consider extending the ability for behavioral health providers to be approved supervisors. The department will begin collecting data on this in 2026 as the credential becomes more established. 2SHB 5555, section 11.
*Peer specialist is a new program regulated by the Department of Health. This page will be updated regularly with upcoming implementation information. All updates and information received will also be sent out via GovDelivery listserv, subscribe to ensure you receive these future updates.