How Can I Participate in Rulemaking?
The rules writing process is open to the public and welcomes public feedback to assist the department in writing rules. Rules are also known as regulations, Washington Administrative Code, or WAC. The rule-making process includes public notices, workshops, and typically a public hearing before a rule becomes final.
Implementation of 2SHB 1427 Peer Support Specialist
The Department of Health is hosting an information session on July 23, 2025, at 3 p.m. about recent legislation that affects the peer profession.
Second Substitute House Bill (2SHB) 1427 Certified Peer Support Specialists (PDF) was passed by the legislature this year. The bill makes one change that will require rulemaking, changing the name of the credential. Previously the credential was titled Certified Peer Specialist (CPS). The legislation changes the title to Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS). The bill also makes several other updates to the profession that do not require rule changes.
The department is hosting this information session to discuss how we are going to implement the name change. Our plan is to open the rules very narrowly, to change the name to match the statute, and to complete the rulemaking quickly.
The information for the virtual meeting is listed below for July 23, 2025, at 3 p.m. If you have any questions, email the program manager.
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Meeting ID: 218 593 565 085 8
Passcode: dK2Vh7jC
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+1 564-999-2000,,472189062# United States, Olympia
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Phone conference ID: 472 189 062#
Join us for Peer Support Specialist Office Hours if you have questions about the new profession or the application process
The Department of Health is hosting Peer Support Specialist Office Hours to answer questions related to the peer applications, credentialing, continuing education, and other topics related to the peer support specialist profession. The department is hosting several sessions over the summer to help with the new profession, see dates below. Beginning September 9, 2025, office hours occur monthly on the second Tuesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. Information to join the meeting is available below. If you would like the department to include you in the recurring invitation, email the program manager.
Summer Office Hours
| Date | Time | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| August 6, 2025 | 2 p.m. | Wednesday |
| August 12, 2025 | 10 a.m. | Tuesday |
| August 22, 2025 | 1 p.m. | Friday |
| August 26, 2025 | 11 a.m. | Tuesday |
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 222 878 291 021 5
Passcode: 9NX74cy6
Dial in by phone
+1 564-999-2000,,477079388# United States, Olympia
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 477 079 388#
For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN
Current Rules in Progress
HB 1427 – Certified Peer Support Specialist
House Bill 1427 was signed into law on May 19, 2025. This bill changes the name of the profession to Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS), removes outdated language around the advisory committee that was stricken from the original bill by veto. The department will begin rulemaking later in the summer of 2025.
SB 5555 – Rule Language Adoption
The Department of Health (department) would like to thank all of our partners, stakeholders, and interested parties who have collaborated with the department over the last year to develop the draft rule language and ethical guidelines for the new certified peer specialist credential. These rules will go into effect on July 1, 2025. The applications and forms for the profession will not be available until that time.
Ethical Guidelines
Please note that the Ethical Guidelines are not a part of the rule process, therefore they are not included in the CR-103 documents.
Contact the program manager with any questions.
*Peer Specialist is a new program regulated by the Department of Health. This page will be updated regularly with upcoming implementation information. All updates and information received will also be sent out via GovDelivery listserv, subscribe to ensure you receive these future updates.