Rulemaking

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) mission is to protect and improve the health of people in Washington state. We work with federal, state, and local partners to help people in Washington stay healthy and safe.

The secretary of health enforces all laws and rules created for the protection of public health and all rules established by the State Board of Health.

The Department of Health adopts rules according to its statutory authority and consistent with the state's Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The Department of Health's rules are administered under Title 246 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Statutory authority is given to the Department by the Washington State Legislature through the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

Did you know DOH passes new rules every year?

Together we can make Washington state a safer, stronger, and healthier place through rulemaking. These rules affect many parts of our lives, from the Puget Sound shellfish we eat, to the clean water we drink, to health care providers education requirements. We need your voice and active engagement to make government work for all of us. Learn about DOH rulemaking and how you can get involved.

How To Get Involved or Learn More

• Find out where rules are in the process: Current rulemaking activity and rules that have been adopted within the past 12 months
• Commenting on rules: For rules currently accepting comments
• Learn more about rulemaking: What is Rulemaking?
• Subscribe to rulemaking updates

Key Rulemaking Information

• State Board of Health and DOH semi-annual rulemaking agenda (PDF)
• The Administrative Procedures Act framework and agency rule adoption process, chapter 34.05 RCW
• The Regulatory Fairness Act identifies when a Small Business Economic Impact Statement (SBEIS), chapter 19.85 RCW
• Washington State Register rules index