Summary
During the 2026 legislative session, the Washington State Legislature directed the Department of Health (department) to review current health professions licensing fees and fee-setting methodology, compare Washington’s approach with other states, and develop recommendations for a more equitable fee structure for health professions licensing.
Legal Authority
This work is directed by Section 225(26), Chapter 268, Laws of 2026 (ESSB 5998) (PDF). In the relevant part, the law provides:
For the Department of Health, Health Systems Quality Assurance
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
(26) Within existing resources, the department must submit a report by September 30, 2026, to the governor and legislature regarding an equitable alternative fee structure for the health professions licensing program. The department must:
(a) Review the department's current health professions licensing and regulatory costs and the department's methodology for setting fees;
(b) Consider relevant fees and methods from other states with comparable licensing and regulatory programs;
(c) Include analysis and recommendations on alternative methods, including recommendations to distribute the fee burden more equitably across professions; and
(d) Provide estimated costs associated with any recommended alternative methods.
Road Map
The department is currently conducting the initial research and wants to hear from licensed professionals, employers, professional associations, training programs, and the general public. To support this work, the department is hosting four listening sessions to hear directly from you about the barriers and issues you have experienced with the current licensing and regulatory fee structure. Your input will help inform our research and recommendations. Details and registration information below.
The department will then draft a preliminary report that outlines the current fee structure and methodology for setting fees. At the same time, department staff will review public comments, and conduct additional research as needed. Once public feedback and research have concluded, the department will complete it’s report and provide final recommendations for a more equitable fee structure.
Listening Sessions
Equitable Fee Structure Listening Session 1
Monday, April 27
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Register here to participate:
Equitable Fee Structure Listening Session 1: Monday, April 27, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Equitable Fee Structure Listening Session 2
Tuesday, April 28
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Register here to participate:
Equitable Fee Structure Listening Session 2: Tuesday, April 28, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Equitable Fee Structure Listening Session 3
Wednesday, April 29
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Register here to participate:
Equitable Fee Structure Listening Session 3: Wednesday, April 29, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Equitable Fee Structure Listening Session 4
Thursday, April 30
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Register here to participate:
Equitable Fee Structure Listening Session 4: Thursday, April 30, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Note: You are welcome to participate in one or more of these listening sessions. However, please note that each session uses a different link and requires separate registration. The information and materials shared by the Department of Health will be the same for all sessions; only the comments provided by attendees may differ.
If you are unable to attend the listening sessions, we would still like to hear from you! We are accepting written comments regarding barriers and issues you have experienced until April 30, 2026. Please send any written comments to Kelsey.Cato@doh.wa.gov
Relevant documents
Note: documents are being translated. Translations in Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese and Russian will be available soon. Please reach out via email to request additional languages.
Listening sessions:
Email invite:
- English (PDF)
- Español (PDF)
- Mandarin (translation in progress. Check back soon!)
- Vietnamese (translation in progress. Check back soon!)
- Russian (translation in progress. Check back soon!)
Slides for the Listening Sessions:
Questions or comments?
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.