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.
Current Rules in Progress
Athletic Trainer Licensure Pathways Updated
The Department of Health has adopted permanent amendments to WAC 246-916-010 and WAC 246-916-030 to align athletic trainer licensure rules with RCW 18.130.077, as directed by 2SHB 1724 (2023). These changes are intended to reduce licensure barriers for out-of-state applicants and streamline the process for those with qualifying national certification.
The adopted rules:
Allow athletic trainers credentialed in another state with substantially equivalent standards for at least two uninterrupted years to apply without submitting education and exam documentation.
Create a licensure pathway for applicants with national certification through the Board of Certification (BOC), issued on or after January 1, 2004.
Clarify and reorganize licensure requirements for better usability and consistency with other health profession rules.
The effective date for the rule changes is December 31, 2025, to accommodate updates to the credentialing system.
See the CR-103P filing, WSR 25-12-075 (PDF).