The RCWs and WACs that directly relate to veterinarians:
Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
RCW 18.92 Veterinary Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry (The Washington Veterinary Practice Act – laws for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary medication clerks)
Profession-relevant RCWs are:
- RCW 69.41 Legend Drugs-Prescription Drugs
- RCW 69.50 Uniform Controlled Substances Act
- RCW 16.52 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- RCW 16.36 Animal Health
- RCW 16.08 Dogs
- RCW 70.225.020 Prescription Monitoring Program
Washington Administrative Code (WAC)
- WAC 246-933 Veterinarians - Veterinary Board (Practice and facility rules for veterinarians)
- WAC 246-934 Standards of Professional Conduct
Profession-relevant WACs are:
- WAC 246-935 Veterinary Technicians
- WAC 246-937 Registered Veterinary Medication Clerks
- WAC 246-886 Animal Control—Legend Drugs and Controlled Substances
- WAC 246-100 Rabies—Measures to Prevent Human Disease
- WAC 246-101 Notifiable Conditions
- WAC 246-470-035 Prescription Monitoring Program - Dispensing and data submission requirements for veterinarians
- WAC 16-54 Animal Importation
- WAC 16-70 Animal Diseases–Reporting
- WAC 16-71 Equine Infectious Anemia
- WAC 16-86 Cattle and Bison Diseases in Washington State
- WAC 232-12 Permanent Regulations (Fish and Wildlife)
Policy and Guidelines
- Emergency Care for K-9 Officers (PDF)
- Licensed Veterinary Technicians – Independent Practice (PDF)
- Rabies Administration Guidelines (PDF)
Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
A statute or Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is written by the Washington State Legislature. Once legislation is signed by the governor, it becomes law.
The website for RCWs is a searchable database online. You may also access the state government website. If you're interested in obtaining a copy of any RCW, contact your local public library.
Other relevant RCWs are:
- Chapter 19.68 RCW - Rebating by Practitioners of Healing Professions
- Chapter 18.130 RCW - Regulation of Health Professions – Uniform Disciplinary Act
- RCW 26.44.030 - Abuse of Children and Adult Dependent Persons
- Chapter 34.05 RCW - Administrative Procedures Act
- Chapter 42.56 RCW - Public Records Act
- RCW 70.225.020 - Prescription Monitoring Program
- Chapter 74.34 RCW - Abuse of Vulnerable Adults
- Chapter 71.05 RCW - Mental Illness
Washington Administrative Code (WAC)
A rule or Washington Administrative Code (WAC) is written to provide interpretive support for the individuals or entities to whom the rule applies. Department of Health rules are written and adopted by a board or commission, or the secretary of the Department of Health. Rules or WACs carry the full force of the law.
WACs are available on the state government website.
The WACs that relate to:
- WAC 246-12 - Administrative Procedures and Requirements for Credentialed Health Care Providers
- WAC 246-15 - Whistleblower Complaints in Health Care Settings
- WAC 246-16 - Standards of professional conduct