Rules in Progress
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
WAC 246-834-050, 246-834-060, 246-834-160, 246-834-250, 246-834-370
- CR-103P filed June 10, 2022, as WSR #22-13-079 (PDF)
- CR-102 filed March 10, 2022, as WSR #22-07-026 (PDF)
The Department of Health is adopting amendments to existing sections of midwifery rules that modernize application requirements, remove the HIV/AIDS training requirement, update the legend drugs and devices section, and clarify language for data submission renewal requirements. The adopted amendments benefit licensed midwives and the community by: Modernizing licensing requirements by clarifying that the department may waive exam requirements through rulemaking and removing the specific HIV/AIDS training requirement per change in statute; Updating the legend drugs and devices section to include nasal swabs for testing, the use of limited ultrasounds, and intravenous tranexamic to increase patient safety; and Clarifying data submission renewal requirements.
Chapter 246-834 WAC, Midwives
The department is considering creating new rule sections and amending existing sections to implement Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5765 (Chapter 289, Laws of 2022). This bill creates two levels of limited prescriptive license extension for midwives to prescribe, obtain, and administer medications and therapies for the prevention and treatment of common prenatal and postpartum conditions, family planning methods, medical devices and implants. The bill also gives the Secretary the authority to establish education requirements. The department will also replace gendered terms with gender-neutral terms throughout the chapter. The department intends to open the complete chapter for these potential revisions.