Adoptions

Effective Date of Rule: November 1, 2024. Purpose: The first purpose of this rule making is to repeal Commission Rule 350-81 in its entirety. Commission Rule 350-81 was the Columbia River Gorge commission's (commission) land use ordinance that implemented the first revised management plan for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which was in effect between 2004 and 2020. In 2020, the commission enacted the second revised management plan, and in 2022, the commission adopted a new land u

Effective Date of Rule: September 24, 2024. Other Findings Required by Other Provisions of Law as Precondition to Adoption or Effectiveness of Rule: As permitted by RCW 34.05.380 (3)(a), immediate implementation is necessary in order to implement SHB 1889 (chapter 50, Laws of 2024) and ESB 5997 (chapter 97, Laws of 2024). Purpose: The department of labor and industries (L&I) is adopting amendments to plumber trainee requirements under WAC 296-400A-120. The amendments will affect application for

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: Nursing education simulation rule. The Washington state board of nursing (board) permanently adopted new WAC 246-840-5341 to establish the requirements for use of simulation-based learning experiences as a substitute for required clinical and direct patient care experiences at a 1:2 ratio in licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), or RN to Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) education programs. The board also adopted

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The department of licensing (DOL) is required to set fees for each professional, occupational, or business licensing program at a sufficient level to defray the costs of administering that program. Current fees for appraisers are insufficient to sustain the program; therefore, DOL is adopting fee increases. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 308-125-120 Fees and charges. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.24

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The developmental disabilities administration (DDA) amended these rules to allow DDA-contracted entities to provide intensive habilitation services for children and to standardize provider and facility requirements across provider types. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: New WAC 388-833-0016, 388-833-0017, 388-833-0019, 388-833-0024, 388-833-0031, 388-833-0032, 388-833-0033, 388-833-0034, 388-833-0035, 388-833-0036, 388-833-0

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The office of the insurance commissioner (commissioner) is adopting rules to add a new section to chapter 284-18 WAC. The new rules will fully implement SB 6027 (chapter 42, Laws of 2024) by clarifying: (1) When a holding company system may be exempt from filing the annual group capital calculation or allowed to make a limited filing; (2) the circumstances under which the commissioner can require a previously exempted holding company

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: This rule change aims to align all organizational license expiration dates to June 30th of each calendar year. This rule change will aid in revenue forecasting as well as simplify implementation and communication to licensees when adjusting license fees in the future. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: New WAC 230-03-002 and 230-05-177; and amending WAC 230-05-128 and 230-05-136. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 9.46.070

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The department of social and health services is adopting amendments to WAC 388-310-0800 WorkFirst — Support services. These amendments expand access to support services to assist with housing and utility needs for WorkFirst families. Funding for this purpose is supported within the operating budget and WorkFirst spending plan for state fiscal year 2025. Additionally, these amendments increase support service flexibility by removing p

Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2025. Purpose: The department of social and health services is adopting amendments to WAC 388-432-0005 Can I get help from DSHS for a family emergency without receiving monthly cash assistance? Effective January 1, 2025, these amendments implement HB 2415 (chapter 154, Laws of 2024) and increase the maximum diversion cash assistance payment from $1,250 to $2,000. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 388-432-0005. Statutory Authority for Adopti

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: These rules are being amended to make housekeeping changes to several department of children, youth, and families WAC to reflect gender-neutral pronouns. The WAC currently use he/she or his/her instead of they/them. Other minor housekeeping changes are also being made. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 110-01-0200, 110-50-0170, 110-60-0020, 110-147-1305, 110-147-1455, 110-147-1470, 110-147-1600, 110-300-0005, 110

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The department of financial institutions hereby adopts a new chapter of rules for broker-dealers and salespersons of broker-dealers at chapter 460-20C WAC, and repeals the rules in chapters 460-20B, 460-21B, and 460-22B WAC. The new chapter updates the rules consistent with current federal law and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rules, incorporates North American Securities Administrators Association model rules, and

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: Revising WAC 139-05-242 and 139-10-222 to clarify the eligibility and process for readmission and to implement additional restrictive measures for readmission into the academy after a dismissal due to a major rule violation. Removing the 24-month suspension and replacing with 60-month for major violations. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 139-05-242 and 139-10-222. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.101.08

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The Washington state liquor and cannabis board (board) has amended three existing sections of chapter 314-55 WAC (WAC 314-55-083, 314-55-087, and 314-55-089) and created one section of chapter 314-55 WAC (WAC 314-55-090) to implement SHB 1453 (chapter 79, Laws of 2024), codified at RCW 69.50.535 (2). The amendments to WAC 314-55-083 are to ensure that new record requirements align with traceability requirements. The amendments to WAC

Effective Date of Rule: November 1, 2024. Purpose: The health care authority is amending WAC 182-505-0100 and 182-509-0305 to increase the income standards for pregnancy and postpartum groups from 193 percent to 210 percent of the federal poverty level. This increase is consistent with RCW 74.09.830 and 74.09.839 . Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 182-505-0100 and 182-509-0305. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 41.05.021 , 41.05.160 . Other Authority: RCW 74.09.830 , 74

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: To amend the forestry riparian easement program rules to implement SSB 5667 related to eligibility, enrollment, and compensation of small forest landowners volunteering for participation in the program. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 222-21-005, 222-21-010, 222-21-030, 222-21-045, 222-21-050, and 222-21-080. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 76.09.040 . Adopted under notice filed as WSR 24-11-124 on May 21

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The tobacco settlement authority is repealing Title 465 WAC because the agency is dissolving pursuant to RCW 43.340.110 . Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing Title 465 WAC. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.340.110 . Adopted under notice filed as WSR 24-14-025 on June 25, 2024. Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Am

Effective Date of Rule: October 7, 2024. Purpose: In May 2023, the division of occupational safety and health (DOSH) received notification from the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) relating to DOSH's fall protection standard. The notification advised the department of labor and industries (L&I) of needed amendments to the fall protection rule in chapter 296-880 WAC in order to be at-least-as-effective-as those administered by OSHA. This rule making makes changes to se

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The health care authority has developed this new chapter to establish standards for issuing endorsements to mobile rapid response crisis teams and community-based crisis teams, as required by RCW 71.24.903 . Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: New WAC 182-140-0010, 182-140-0020, 182-140-0030, 182-140-0040, 182-140-0050, 182-140-0060, 182-140-0070, 182-140-0080, 182-140-0090, 182-140-0100, 182-140-0110, 182-140-0120, and 182-140

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: WAC 132S-400-115 (12)(a)(iv) must reflect the accurate purpose for the community bulletin board for first amendment rights. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 132S-400-115 (12)(a)(iv). Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28B.50.140 . Adopted under notice filed as WSR 24-15-114 on July 22, 2024. Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Stan

Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2025. Purpose: The purpose of this proposal is to amend existing rules to support the PEBB program: 1. Implement PEBB policy resolutions: • Amended WAC 182-08-187 to implement Resolution PEBB 2024-16 amending PEBB Policy Resolution "Error Correction" adopted on July 16, 2014. • Amended WAC 182-08-196 to implement Resolution PEBB 2024-22 when a subscriber is involuntarily terminated by a medicare Part D plan. • Amended WAC 182-08-197 to implement Resolution PEBB

Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2025. Purpose: The purpose of this proposal is to amend WAC 182-12-265 to support the PEBB program: 1. Implement statutory changes: • Included language that addresses continued enrollment for a survivor of a retiree when the retiree dies to implement HB 2481, section 1, chapter 185, Laws of 2024. • Included language that clarifies eligibility for continued enrollment in PEBB health plan coverage to implement SHB 1804, section 1, chapter 312, Laws of 2023. 2. Im

Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2025. Purpose: The purpose of this proposal is to amend rules to support the public employees benefits board (PEBB) program: 1. Implement statutory changes in response to SHB 1804, section 1, chapter 312, Laws of 2023: • Amended WAC 182-08-245 to include a new subsection. • Amended WAC 182-12-146 by updating a subsection and adding a new subsection. • Created WAC 182-12-232. • Amended WAC 182-12-262 to add a reference to WAC 182-12-232. 2. Implement the followi

Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2025. Purpose: The purpose of this proposal is to amend rules to support the public employees benefits board (PEBB) program: 1. Amended WAC 182-12-171 and 182-12-211 to implement statutory changes: • In response to HB 1008, section 1, chapter 164, Laws of 2023, HCA amended WAC 182-12-171 and 182-12-211 to include separated employees and clarified the requirement for a retiring employee who is a member of Plan 3 retirement system. • In response to SHB 1804, sect

Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2025. Purpose: The purpose of this proposal is to amend WAC 182-08-180 to support the public employees benefits board (PEBB) program: 1. Implement statutory changes: • In response to SHB 1804, section 1, chapter 312, Laws of 2023, HCA implemented to include language that addresses a retired employee, a retired school employee, or a survivor electing to enroll in PEBB health plan coverage when their employer group ceases participation. • In response to HB 2481,

Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2025. Purpose: The purpose of this proposal is to amend existing rules to support the public employees benefits board (PEBB) program: 1. Implement statutory changes: In response to SHB 1804, section 1, chapter 312, Laws of 2023, the following definitions are amended: • Amended the definition of "PEBB Program" to include statutory reference in WAC 182-08-015, 182-12-109, and 182-16-020. • Amended the definition of "subscriber" to include retired employee or reti

Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2025. Purpose: The purpose of this proposal is to amend existing rules to support the public employees benefits board (PEBB) program: 1. Implement statutory changes: • In response to implement SB 5700, section 3, chapter 51, Laws of 2023, amended WAC 182-12-111 to remove employees of the Washington state convention and trade centers and amended WAC 182-16-2050 to update the flexible spending arrangement (FSA) description. 2. Make technical amendments: • Amended

Effective Date of Rule: October 1, 2024. Purpose: J-1 physician visa waiver rules in chapter 246-562 WAC. The department of health (department) amended the chapter for an overall rewrite of rule language for organization, clarity, and modernization. The adopted amendments better reflect the purpose and intent of the J-1 visa waiver program and clarify the changes in physician practice and the need for physicians across Washington state. The adopted amendments address the applicant criteria, the

Effective Date of Rule: October 1, 2024. Purpose: To align the civil service rules (Title 357 WAC) with the requirements in SSB 6157, chapter 330, Laws of 2024. SSB 6157 passed during the 2024 legislative session with an effective date of June 6, 2024. This bill intends to reform civil service by incorporating civil service advantage for bilingual and multilingual applicants, applicants with prior work experience in social services, and applicants with higher education. Section 1 adds a new sect

Effective Date of Rule: October 1, 2024. Purpose: The amendments to WAC 357-31-165(1) and 357-31-166(1) are housekeeping in nature and align with the WAC style guide. The amendment to WAC 357-31-165(2) is to align with the intent of the original rule making to allow employers to have flexibility to authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave and/or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate. This was an oversight when WAC 357-31-165 was originally adopted and this amendment aligns with WAC 35

Effective Date of Rule: October 1, 2024. Purpose: To align chapters 357-01 and 357-31 WAC with the requirements in HB 2246, chapter 151, Laws of 2024. HB 2246 passed during the 2024 legislative session, with an effective date of June 6, 2024. Section 1 of this bill amends RCW 43.01.040 to increase the annual cap on the accrual of unused vacation leave for state employees from 240 hours to 280 hours. Section 2 of this bill amends RCW 43.01.044 to increase the amount of unused vacation leave that

Effective Date of Rule: October 1, 2024. Purpose: To align Title 357 WAC with the requirements in 2SHB 2014, chapter 146, Laws of 2024. 2SHB 2014 passed during the 2024 legislative session, effective June 6, 2024, for sections 1-24. This bill intends to align the federal and state definitions of "veteran" expanding state veterans benefits to any veteran who is already eligible for federal Department of Veterans Affairs monetary benefits. Section 4 of the bill adds a new section to chapter 73.04

Effective Date of Rule: October 1, 2024. Purpose: During the COVID-19 response, some general government employers encountered shortages of employees in segments of their operations, while other agencies had employees with the capacity and skill sets that could have been redeployed to address the staffing shortages. These amendments to the civil service rules (Title 357 WAC) provide a mechanism for general government employers to redeploy an employee within or between general government employers

Effective Date of Rule: October 1, 2024. Purpose: To align WAC 357-25-027 with the requirements in ESHB 1795, chapter 133, Laws of 2022. ESHB 1795 passed during the 2022 legislative session with an effective date of June 9, 2022. This bill prohibits nondisclosure and nondisparagement provisions from employers regarding illegal acts of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, and sexual assault. This bill repeals RCW 49.44.210 and replaces it with RCW 49.44.211 . The ame

Effective Date of Rule: September 30, 2024. Purpose: The health care authority is amending WAC 182-512-0600, 182-512-0650, and 182-512-0800 to remove food assistance from the calculation of income when determining a person's eligibility for Washington apple health supplemental security income (SSI)-related medical programs. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 182-512-0600, 182-512-0650, and 182-512-0800. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 41.05.021 , 41.05.160 . Other Autho

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The health care authority amended this rule to add gender affirming surgery services to being exempt from diagnosis-related group payment. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 182-550-4400. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 41.05.021 , 41.05.160 . Adopted under notice filed as WSR 24-15-074 on July 18, 2024. Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The health care authority amended these rules to reduce the sole community hospital rate multiplier to 1.25, effective July 1, 2024. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 182-550-3830 and 182-550-7550. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 41.05.021 , 41.05.160 . Adopted under notice filed as WSR 24-15-073 on July 18, 2024. Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The health care authority amended this rule to extend the expiration date for the ambulance transport fund from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2028, to align with RCW 74.70.901 (SB 5122, chapter 11, Laws of 2023). Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 182-546-4700. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 41.05.021 , 41.05.160 . Other Authority: RCW 74.70.901 (SB 5122, chapter 11, Laws of 2023). Adopted under notice filed as

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The department of children, youth, and families is required to develop a contract and a new type of foster home for professional therapeutic foster care (PTFC) according to the D.S. Settlement Agreement. The intent of the agreement is to remove this barrier in licensing rules and add new language describing eligibility and licensing requirements for professional therapeutic foster parents. In addition, revisions are being made to all

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The purpose of this rule is to implement the state financial assurance program (program), as established in chapter 70A.545 RCW. The rule describes program enrollment eligibility, coverage, and administration for the remediation of contamination caused by releases from petroleum underground storage tanks. As authorized by chapter 70A.545 RCW, the purpose of this rule is to establish criteria and procedures for the payment of costs fr

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The purpose is to establish eligibility, activation, funding, and programmatic criteria for a Washington state disaster individual assistance (WAIA) program. The WAIA program is designed to provide supplemental state assistance for disaster survivors. Funding is issued through reimbursements to eligible county and/or tribal governments for all nonspecial programs. Special programs are issued in the form of grants to eligible county a

Effective Date of Rule: October 7, 2024. Purpose: The developmental disabilities administration (DDA) amended these rules to implement 2SHB 2008, which directs DDA to remove intelligence quotient (IQ) criteria from DDA enrollment processes. Additional changes have been made to combine and repeal redundant sections in the chapter, clarify language, and update intake and eligibility processes. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: New WAC 388-823-0620 and 388-823-0630; repealing WAC 388-823-07

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The health care authority is amending this rule to update medical equipment, supplies, and appliances definitions to better clarify billing and coverage. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 182-543-1000. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 41.05.021 , 41.05.160 . Adopted under notice filed as WSR 24-14-039 on June 26, 2024. Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: Proposed/Adopted WAC Subsecti

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: Kidney disease treatment center temporary emergency exemptions. The department of health (department) has adopted new WAC 246-310-825 Kidney disease treatment centers—Temporary emergency situation exemption, and amendments to existing kidney disease treatment center rules, WAC 246-310-800 through 246-310-806 and 246-310-812 through 246-310-833, to implement SSB 5569 (chapter 48, Laws of 2023), codified in RCW 70.38.280 . The departme

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: To establish business and professional license requirements per ESHB 2153, passed during the 2024 legislative session. These rules clarify that vehicle wreckers and scrap metal businesses must pay a $500 Washington state patrol inspection fee when applying for an original or renewed license. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 308-63-040 and 308-70-130. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 46.01.011 Purpose, 46.80

Effective Date of Rule: October 1, 2024. Purpose: The department of labor and industries (L&I) is adopting permanent sections in rule to allow the voluntary use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when workers feel the need to protect themselves from noise, dust, or possible infectious or contagious diseases. The voluntary use of PPE must not introduce hazards to the work environment and any PPE, including facial coverings, must not interfere with an employer's security requirements. The adop

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: Dietitian and nutritionist requirements in chapter 246-822 WAC. The department of health (department) amended chapter 246-822 WAC to clarify, streamline, and modernize rules for dietitians and nutritionists. The rules for dietitians and nutritionists were established in 1988-1989, with minor changes in later years. As a result, these updates resolve the items that were inconsistent with national standards and department processes. Th

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: Military spouses; removing barriers to temporary practice permits. 2SHB 1009 (chapter 165, Laws of 2023), codified as RCW 18.340.020 , alters temporary practice permit requirements to expedite the issuance of professional licenses for military spouses who hold a license in another state by removing the need to first leave employment. The rule amendment aligns WAC 246-12-051 by striking language from the rule to match the changes made