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.
Current rules in progress
Reducing Licensure Barriers
The Board of Physical Therapy is proposing amendments to WAC 246-915-030 , 246-915-040 , 246-915-085 , and 246-915-120 to align with Section 8 of Second Substitute House Bill (2SHB) 1724 (chapter 425, Laws of 2023) (PDF) and RCW 18.130.077 . These changes aim to streamline licensure pathways, reduce barriers for out-of-state and foreign-educated applicants, and make general updates to the rules.
Key proposals include:
- Endorsement Pathway Expansion: Creating faster licensure pathways for applicants credentialed in other states with substantially equivalent standards.
- Foreign-Educated Applicants: Clarifying and streamlining requirements for licensure.
- Jurisprudence Examination: Removing is as a pre-licensure requirement and offering it as a continuing education credit for new licensees.
A public hearing will be held on December 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at WA State Labor and Industries, Room S119, 7273 Linderson Way S.W., Tumwater, WA, or virtually via Microsoft Teams . Written comments are due by December 2, 2024 at 11:59 PM and can be submitted to Allyson McIver, Department of Health, PO Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, via email at physical.therapy@doh.wa.gov, or online at policy review.
These changes support workforce growth by reducing barriers while maintaining high professional standards. For more details, see WSR 24-21-147 (PDF), filed on October 22, 2024.
Physical Therapy Licensure Compact – Updating Reference Date
Proposed Update: Revise WAC 246-915A-010 to reflect the most recent Physical Therapy Compact Commission Rules.
Current Reference Date: June 27, 2023
Proposed Reference Date: June 17, 2024
Purpose: To comply with RCW 18.74.500 Article IX(2) and maintain Washington’s participation in the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact.
Key Changes:
Update the effective date in WAC 246-915A-010 to June 17, 2024
Adopt the latest Physical Therapy Compact Commission rules, which include:
- Clarification of home state license and compact privilege expiration dates
- Extension of reporting time for change in home state from 30 to 60 days
Legal Basis: This proposal aligns with RCW 18.74.500 Article IX(2), mandating the board to update the compact’s effective date in WAC 246-915A-010.
Rule-Making Process:
- Filed as CR-105 expedited rule making on September 23, 2024
- WSR 24-20-033 (PDF) - see this for full details
Rules We’ve Completed
Intramuscular Needling Endorsement Update
The Board of Physical Therapy and the Department of Health have completed rulemaking to establish the intramuscular needling endorsement. These changes, effective June 22, 2024, clarify the application process, education and training requirements, and establish a fee for the endorsement. The application to apply for the intramuscular needling endorsement will be posted to our website starting July 1, 2024. WSR 24-11-160 (PDF).
Health Equity Continuing Education Rules
The Board of Physical Therapy has updated the rules about continuing education. We’ve added two hours of health equity education every two-year cycle to the existing requirements. These changes are based on a new law, SB 5229 (PDF). Learn more about the new health equity training and find free courses on our website. WSR 23-21-075 (PDF)
Contact Us
We value your feedback and questions. If you have any comments or concerns about the rules we’re working on, send us an email (physical.therapy@doh.wa.gov).