Washington State Register

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Settlement conference requirements and procedures. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 82.03.170 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To create procedures and add clarity to how and when settlement conferences are conducted, pursuant to WAC 456-09-530, and explore creating a process for settlement conferences in informal appeals. Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subjec

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 204-21-230 Lighting equipment prohibited. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 46.37.005 , 46.37.194 , 46.37.300 , and 46.37.320 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Proposed changes are needed to clarify and provide consistency within chapter 204-21 WAC regarding the use of flashing white warning lamps on highway maintenance vehicles and certain snow removal vehicles. The proposed ru

NOTICE Title or Subject: Medicaid State Plan Amendment (SPA) 26-0023 Remove Outdated Outpatient Hospital Payment Information. Effective Date: October 1, 2026. Description: The health care authority (HCA) intends to submit SPA 26-0023 to remove the outpatient hospital services payment information that is under outpatient prospective payment system in the medicaid state plan. This information was initially removed in 2023 as it was outdated and no longer used, but was inadvertently included in sub

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The purpose is to update the rules regarding certified residential providers and how they use professional treatment plans when providing services to people in the community protection program. This will align the rule with federal waiver requirements regarding restrictive procedures and person-centered supports and is currently in place via emergency rule filed under WSR 26-11-041. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Substance use disorder professionals (SUDP) and SUDP trainees; trauma-informed care, education, international applicants, and other updates. The department of health (department) is opening chapter 246-811 WAC, Substance use disorder professionals and substance use disorder professional trainees, to consider amending, creating, and repealing rule sections. The department will consider topics including, but not limited to, adding trauma-informed care to the contin

Notice of Adoption - Interpretive Statement Title: Dentist Standard of Care - Radiographs, IS-2.1. Issuing Entity: Dental quality assurance commission (health systems quality assurance). Subject Matter: The appropriate standard of care for dentists' use of radiographs. Updated to reflect the American Dental Association's 2024 and 2026 guidance. Effective Date: July 24, 2026. Contact Person: Debbie Gardner, dental quality assurance commission program manager, dental@doh.wa.gov .

Effective Date of Rule: October 18, 2026. Purpose: The office of the insurance commissioner (commissioner) is adopting rules to define unfair trade practices and to help clarify the minimum standards for claims handling in Washington state. The rule allows the insurance industry and Washington state consumers a more fair and transparent claim process. The rule clarifies and adds definitions and specific unfair claim practices concerning claims handling, particularly when the insurer is consideri

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Indoor heat exposure and heat illness prevention in all industries; Title 296 WAC, Department of labor and industries (L&I). Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 49.17.101 , 49.17.040 , 49.17.050 , and 49.17.060 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In 2021, L&I initiated rule making under WSR 21-17-135 to consider occupational heat exposure hazards from high temperatures in all industries

Original Notice. Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 26-11-050. Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 296-17 WAC, General reporting rules, audit and recordkeeping, rates and rating system for Washington workers' compensation insurance; and chapter 296-17A WAC, Classifications for Washington workers' compensation insurance. Hearing Location(s): On September 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., via Zoom at https://lni-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/5484210584?omn=82182289410 , Meeting ID 54

Effective Date of Rule: October 1, 2026. Purpose: The purpose of this rule making is to create additional means of calculating administrative assessments for active self-insured employers, and in doing so, facilitate fair and equitable funding for current and future self-insurance projects. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 296-15-223. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 51.44.145 and 51.44.150 (chapter 57, Laws of 2025). Adopted under notice filed as WSR 26-10-061 on May

Original Notice. Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 25-12-093. Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 296-127 WAC, Prevailing wage; establishing prevailing wage rates from multiple collective bargaining agreements, including a dispute resolution process. Hearing Location(s): On September 23, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., at the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), 12806 Gateway Drive South, Tukwila, WA 98168. The hearing will start at 1:30 p.m. and will continue until

Effective Date of Rule: August 18, 2026. Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to close Chinook salmon retention and possession on board a vessel in Catch Record Card Area 1 and Chinook retention in Area 2. Salmon fishing in a near-shore portion of Catch Record Card Area 1 remains closed. This rule maintains other previously announced coastal salmon seasons for Areas 3 and 4. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-313-07500I; and amending WAC 220-313-075. Statutory

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing. Purpose: WAC 220-340-52000A: (1) Closes Subarea 23A-E and Region 5 to commercial spot shrimp harvest effective one hour after official sunset on August 17, 2026. (2) Implements hard closure dates for all open spot shrimp areas. WAC 220-340-52500G: (1) Closes that portion of Marine Fish-Shellfish (MFSF) Catch Area 20A in Subregion 1C to commercial nonspot shrimp harvest for Puget Sound shrimp pot license holders effective immediately. (2) Closes th

Effective Date of Rule: August 20, 2026. Purpose: This emergency rule closes Chinook retention in Green (Duwamish) River, as well as fishing in critical spawning habitat during peak Chinook spawning activity. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-040. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.020 , 77.12.045 , and 77.12.047 . Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the pres

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Fixing inaccurate cross-references. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.50.050 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of retirement systems (DRS) identified cross-references in certain WAC that are not accurate and is correcting them. Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making. Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formu

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The health care authority (HCA) is amending these rules to ensure alignment with HCA's current billing practices. The amendments standardize billing policies while maintaining compliance with applicable federal guidelines. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 182-531-0200, 182-531-0600, 182-531-0750, 182-531-0800, 182-531-1050, 182-531-1300, 182-531-1450, 182-531-1650, and 182-531-1900. Statutory Authority for Adopt

Board of Trustees Meeting Calendar 2026-2027 September 28, 2026 3:00 p.m. Meeting, Downtown Campus October 26, 2026 2:00 p.m. Study session, Downtown Campus 3:00 p.m. Meeting, Downtown Campus November 16, 2026 3:00 p.m. Meeting, Downtown Campus January 25, 2027 3:00 p.m. Meeting, Downtown Campus February 22, 2027 2:00 p.m. Study session, Downtown Campus 3:00 p.m. Meeting, Downtown Campus March 29, 2027 3:00 p.m. Meeting, Downtown Campus April 26, 2027 2:00 p.m. Study session, Downtown Campus 3:0

The following is a list of administrative policies published by the school employees benefits board (SEBB) program. These policies are effective January 1, 2027. You can download the complete policy statements on the SEBB program rules and policies page at hca.wa.gov/sebb-rules. The following policies were amended to support the SEBB program: Policy 11-1: Providing a notice to a school employee. This policy clarifies the requirements of a SEBB organization-to-school employee notice, as stated in

The following is a list of administrative policies published by the public employees benefits board (PEBB) program. These policies are effective January 1, 2027. You can download the complete policy statements on the PEBB program rules and policies page at hca.wa.gov/pebb-rules. The following policies were amended to support the PEBB program: Policy 11-3: Correcting employing agency and contracted vendor enrollment errors. This policy clarifies the requirements placed on an employing agency or c

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing. Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule making is to reduce the financial impact to school districts' school bus replacement and depreciation payments due to the passing of ESSB 6260 (2026). The monetary effect due to the change in school bus depreciation lifetimes was greater than intended. The amended rule language will meet the fiscal goal of the bill while lessening the financial burden on school districts. The office of superintendent of

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 392-142-100 Definitions, and 392-142-245 Calculation of depreciation system payments. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: ESSB 6260 (2026); and RCW 28A.150.290 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The purpose of this rule making is to reduce the financial impact to school districts' school bus replacement and depreciation payments due to the passing of ESSB 6260 (2026). The monetary effe

Semi-Annual Rule-Making Agenda July through December 2026 Following is the office of the code reviser's semi-annual rule-making agenda for publication in the Washington State Register pursuant to RCW 34.05.314 . There may be additional rule-making activity not on the agenda as conditions warrant. If you have questions about this rule-making agenda, contact Jennifer Meas, Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 40551, Olympia, WA 98504-0551, phone 360-786-6697, email Jennifer.Meas@leg.wa.gov. WAC Chapter Sub

WAC 246-817-160, proposed by the department of health in WSR 26-03-002, appearing in issue 26-03 of the Washington State Register, which was distributed on February 4, 2026, is withdrawn by the office of the code reviser under RCW 34.05.335 (3), since the proposal was not adopted within the 180-day period allowed by the statute. Jennifer C. Meas, Editor Washington State Register

Pursuant to chapter 42.30 RCW, the Open Public Meetings Act, the location of the October 2026 Washington state apprenticeship and training council (WSATC) and the WSATC compliance review and retention subcommittee (CRRS) meetings have been updated as indicated below. WSATC Meetings: Date Time Location October 15, 2026 9:00 a.m. Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) 7273 Linderson Way S.W. Tumwater, WA 98501-5414 For meeting information, visit the L&I website at https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-pe

Original Notice. Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 26-11-030. Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The department of social and health services (DSHS) is proposing to make changes to WAC 388-823-0055, 388-823-0740, 388-823-0910, 388-823-0920, and 388-823-0930. Hearing Location(s): On September 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., virtually via Teams or call in. See the DSHS website at https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sesa/rpau/proposed-rules-and-public-hearings for the most current inform

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Modernizing producer licensing and reporting requirements. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 48.02.060 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The office of the insurance commissioner (OIC) is considering rule making to clean up and modernize outdated rule language to better reflect OIC's current electronic licensing and verification processes, such as removing outdated requirements to su

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Implementation of SSB 6248, implementing travel insurance regulation. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 48.02.060 ; and chapter 165, Laws of 2026. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The office of the insurance commissioner (commissioner) is considering rule making to implement SSB 6248, which passed during the 2026 legislative session and was largely modeled after the National Associat

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing. Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule making is to expand access to running start in alignment with 2SHB 1316 (2023) and E2SSB 5670 (2024), expand state funding for students receiving special education funding who turn 21 in alignment with SSB 5253 (2025), and clarify which students can be claimed for running start funding for the first count of a college term. Additionally, the rules provide for funding, reporting, and administration of par

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing. Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule making is to amend college in the high school rules in alignment with 2SSB 5048 (2023) which eliminated fees for students. This is a renewal of emergency rule filing as the office of superintendent of public instruction (OSPI) continues to conduct permanent rule making. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 392-725-325; and amending WAC 392-725-005, 392-725-015, 392-725-050, 392-725-225

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing. Purpose: The purpose of the emergency rule making is to adopt rules to authorize full-time enrollment funding for students enrolled in competency-based education programs identified by the state board of education as required by SB 5189 (2025). The office of superintendent of public instruction (OSPI) will also conduct permanent rule making concerning these rules. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: New WAC 392-121-189; and amending WAC 392-

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Designating elemental mercury and methylmercury compounds as poisons per RCW 69.38.010 . The pharmacy quality assurance commission (commission) is considering creating a new section of rule in chapter 246-945 WAC for the purpose of designating compounds and substances as "poisons," as defined in RCW 69.38.010 (4). The new section would include elemental mercury and methylmercury compounds. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.64.

Effective Date of Rule: August 14, 2026. Purpose: This emergency rule opens commercial purse seine and gillnet seasons in Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas 7 and 7A. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-354-120 and 220-354-160. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.020 , 77.12.045 , and 77.12.047 . Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservat

Effective Date of Rule: August 15, 2026. Purpose: This emergency rule opens recreational crab season for Marine Area 7 North and maintains all other previously announced 2026 Puget Sound recreational summer crab seasons. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-330-04000W; and amending WAC 220-330-040. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.020 , 77.12.045 , and 77.12.047 . Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment,

The Washington state health care authority's (HCA) health care cost transparency board's nominating committee (committee) is canceling the remaining meeting for 2026. There will be no further meetings this year. Date Time Location October 1, 2026 Canceled 9-10 a.m. *Hybrid Visit our HCA web page to learn more about the committee, meeting materials, and Teams information at www.hca.wa.gov . Sign up to receive announcements about the committee at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAHCA/subsc

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Implementing the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' (LEOFF) Plan 1 termination and restatement bill. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.50.050 and chapter 261, Laws of 2026. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of retirement systems (DRS) is doing rule making to implement chapter 261, Laws of 2026, the LEOFF Plan 1 termination and restatement bill. Process for D

Original Notice. Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 26-09-111. Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The following sections in chapter 182-55 WAC, Health technology assessment program: WAC 182-55-005 Authority and purpose, 182-55-010 Definitions, 182-55-025 Committee member requirements and committee member terms, 182-55-026 Committee governance, 182-55-030 Committee coverage determination process, 182-55-035 Committee coverage determination, 182-55-040 Health care auth

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Beneficiary requirements. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.50.050 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Clarifying the department of retirement systems' requirements for retirement account beneficiary designations. Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making. Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule bef

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Emergency teaching certifications and membership in the teachers' retirement system (TRS). Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.50.050 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Clarifying that teachers with one-year emergency teaching certifications are eligible for TRS membership. Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making. Interested parties can participate in the decision to

Supplemental Notice to WSR 26-07-058. Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 25-23-001. Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The partnership, prevention, and services division recently revised the receiving care WAC in chapter 110-50 WAC to comply with the D.S. Settlement Agreement. However, WAC 110-50-0160 was inadvertently not repealed in WSR 26-07-058. The following section in chapter 110-50 WAC, Child welfare, will be repealed: WAC 110-50-0160 How are rates authorized

REVISED NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS The commission on judicial conduct (commission) will conduct its remaining 2026 meetings listed below at Cedarbrook Lodge, 18525 36th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98188, as indicated below. Additional information can be obtained by calling 360-753-4585 or visiting the commission's website at www.cjc.state.wa.us . Friday, September 11, 2026* Business Meeting: 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 20, 2026 Business Meeting: 11:00 a.m. *The commission's 2026 education session w

Effective Date of Rule: August 13, 2026. Purpose: This emergency rule closes Chinook salmon retention in Catch Record Card Area 6. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-313-06000T; and amending WAC 220-313-060. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.020 , 77.12.045 , and 77.12.047 . Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or ge

Original Notice. Proposal is exempt under RCW 34.05.310 (4) or 34.05.330 (1). Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Radiation material medical use notification rule update. The department of health (department) is proposing to incorporate the missing notification language from the federal requirements in 10 C.F.R. 35.14(a), Subpart A by text into WAC 246-240-025. The proposed amendment also corrects subsection numbers, and adds a comma to correct the mailing address. This rule making

Original Notice. Proposal is exempt under RCW 70A.15.2040 (1). Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) 400-010 Policy and Purpose, existing rule section identifying the purpose and general policy of SWCAA. SWCAA 400-020 Applicability, existing rule section identifying SWCAA's geographic boundaries and source jurisdiction. SWCAA 400-025 Adoption of Federal Rules, existing rule section establishing an adoption by reference date for federal regulations ci

Effective Date of Rule: August 13, 2026. Purpose: This emergency rule opens a commercial reef net season in Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Area 7. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-354-180. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.020 , 77.12.045 , and 77.12.047 . Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or g

Effective Date of Rule: August 15, 2026. Purpose: This emergency rule closes Chinook salmon retention in Catch Record Card Area 11. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-313-06000R; and amending WAC 220-313-060. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.020 , 77.12.045 , and 77.12.047 . Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or g

Effective Date of Rule: August 13, 2026. Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to close salmon fishing in a portion of Catch Record Card Area 1. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-313-07500H; and amending WAC 220-313-075. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.020 , 77.12.045 , and 77.12.047 . Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the publi

Effective Date of Rule: August 13, 2026. Purpose: This emergency rule modifies weekly landing limits for the coastal commercial salmon summer troll season. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-354-30000D; and amending WAC 220-354-300. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.020 , 77.12.045 , and 77.12.047 . Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the pub