How may I participate in rulemaking?
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.
You may find more information from our partners about what is a behavioral health support specialist, the clinical training program, and the clinical implementation plan at the University of Washington webpage.
Current rules in progress
Behavioral health support specialist is a new program regulated by the Department of Health. Watch this space for information regarding upcoming rules workshops. Notification of workshops will also be announced via GovDelivery listserv.
Rules Workshops for Developing the Behavioral Health Support Specialist Credential
Recent Workshops
The Department of Health recently concluded a second series of workshops to review draft rule language based on the input received from the public at the last series of workshops. The department provided an overview of the rule-making process, timelines, asked for feedback on the draft language, and reviewed areas where input was still needed to finish developing the draft rules.
Submit any additional written feedback via email.
Past Workshops
Workshop Information
In early 2024, the department hosted the following workshops:
| Date | Time | Topic | Handouts |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 13, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. |
Overview of rule-making process Overview of full draft chapter Supervisor requirements |
|
| February 14, 2024 | 5 p.m. | Supervisor Requirements | |
| February 15, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. | Supervisor Requirements | |
| February 20, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. | Professional Standards | Slide Deck – Professional Standards (PDF) |
| February 21, 2024 | 5 p.m. | Professional Standards | |
| February 22, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. |
Fees Continuing Education |
|
| February 27, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. |
Fees and Continuing Education Recap Practicum |
|
| February 28, 2024 | 5 p.m. | Practicum | |
| February 29, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. | Practicum | Updated Draft Rule Language (PDF) |
| March 5, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. | Tentative: Education Requirements | |
| March 6, 2024 | 5 p.m. | Tentative: Supervisor Requirements Review | |
Fall 2023 Workshops
The Department of Health hosted a series of workshops to begin developing rules for the new behavioral health support specialist credential created by SB 5189. Below you will find the slide decks that were presented at each workshop, along with the topics for which we sought feedback.
| Date | Time | Topic | Handouts |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 23, 2023 | Noon | Introduction to rule-making process | Slide Deck Introduction (PDF) |
| October 25, 2023 | Noon | Education | Slide Deck – Education (PDF) UW Curriculum Competencies and Sample Learning Objectives (PDF) |
| October 25, 2023 | 5:30 p.m. | Education | Slide Deck – Education (PDF) |
| October 30, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Practicum/Supervisors/Supervision | Slide Deck – Practicum/Supervisors/Supervision (PDF) |
| November 1, 2023 | Noon | Practicum/Supervisors/Supervision | Slide Deck – Practicum/Supervisors/Supervision (PDF) |
| November 1, 2023 | 5:30 p.m. | Continuing Education | Slide Deck – Continuing Education (PDF) |
| November 6, 2023 | Noon | Apprenticeships | |
| November 7, 2023 | 1 p.m. | Canceled |
Opportunities for Feedback
You may monitor the progress of rulemaking through our Behavioral Health Support Specialist Rules in Progress webpage or sign up for our GovDelivery notification system.
You may also email written ideas or recommendations.