Washington State Register

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The office of superintendent of public instruction (OSPI) is adopting rule making to update the types of educational programs that meet the definition of a course of study and to clarify that a course of study must be provided or supervised by a certificated instructor. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 392-121-107. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28A.44.230 , 28A.150.290 , 28A.545.110 , 28A.710.040 , 84.52

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The office of superintendent of public instruction (OSPI) is adopting rule making to address school districts' budgeting practices. Additionally, OSPI is adopting rule making concerning the sale of real property by school districts who are in binding conditions and to address the charging of interest when districts in binding conditions or under enhanced financial oversight for temporary interfund loan from their capital projects fun

Original Notice. Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 26-05-031. Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 182-543-2000 Eligible providers and provider requirements, 182-543-5500 Medical supplies and related services, new 182-543-6100 Urological and incontinent supplies, new 182-543-6200 Urinary and incontinent supplies under the mail order incontinence and urinary supplies and services contract, and 182-543-9000 General reimbursement. Hearing Location(s): On September 22

Original Notice. Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 26-13-074. Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Medical expense reimbursement payments. Hearing Location(s): On September 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., via Microsoft Teams at https://www.drs.wa.gov/sitemap/rules/#proposed-rule-hearings , Meeting ID 280 694 205 212 956, Passcode SM2Qv2hV; or phone 833-322-1218, Code 419 387 507#. Date of Intended Adoption: October 1, 2026. Submit Written Comments to: Bianca Stoner, Departmen

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: Providing additional clarity regarding the department of retirement systems' use of administrative factors. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: New WAC 415-02-305; and amending WAC 415-02-030 and 415-02-300. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 41.50.050 and 41.45.030 . Adopted under notice filed as WSR 26-14-056 on June 25, 2026. Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The Washington state department of ecology (ecology) is considering revisions to chapter 173-201A WAC, Water quality standards for surface waters of the state of Washington. In response to nominations, we are considering designating outstanding resource waters (ORW) under WAC 173-201A-332. This is the highest level of protection for areas with exceptional water quality, ecological or recreational value, or unique attributes. The nominated areas are: • Ruby, Grani

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (DSHS) is planning to amend WAC 388-444-0010 Who is exempt from work registration while receiving basic food?, and other related rules as may be required. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.005 , 74.04.050 , 74.04.055 , 74.04.057 , 74.04.510 , 74.08.090 , 74.08A.120 , and 74.09.035 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Planned amendments

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (DSHS) is planning to amend WAC 388-452-0005 Do I have to be interviewed in order to get cash and basic food benefits?, and other rules as may be required. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.005 , 74.04.0052 , 74.04.050 , 74.04.055 , 74.04.057 , 74.04.510 , 74.04.655 , 74.04.770 , 74.04.805 , 74.08.025 , 74.08.043 , 74.08.090 , 74.08.335 , 74.08A.100 , and 74.62.030 . Reasons Why

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The department of ecology (ecology) is adopting amendments to three rules to support implementation of the governor's Executive Order 25-03 Improving transparency and building efficiency in the state's permitting and licensing process. These amendments make changes to two air quality permits, six air quality general orders, and environmental laboratory accreditation to clarify application fee language and update out-of-date informati

Effective Date of Rule: One business day after filing. Other Findings Required by Other Provisions of Law as Precondition to Adoption or Effectiveness of Rule: The federal requirements that the department of retirement systems (DRS) is implementing are already in effect, so DRS is putting the rules into effect one business day after filing the CR-103P. Purpose: Complying with Internal Revenue Service regulations governing nonspousal survivor benefits from a retirement plan. Citation of Rules Aff

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) council meeting on October 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Public comment will be available. This meeting will be held via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/98392835440?pwd=UmFQbTFPWFl6aDZ5c2NaZmx6S0Nhdz09 , Passcode 883562; or One-tap mobile 253-205-0468, 98392835440# *883562#. The meeting agenda will be posted on our website 24 hours prior to the meeting. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the TBI office by emailing tbicouncil@dshs.wa.gov no later th

Original Notice. Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 26-05-034. Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Amending WAC 468-16-130 pertaining to classes of work for contractors prequalified to perform highway construction. Hearing Location(s): On Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., virtual hearing in Microsoft Teams at https://bit.ly/WAC-468-16-130-Sept-24-2026 . To join the virtual hearing, use the web address shown for the hearing location or dial in by phone at +1

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Dental assistant registration. The dental quality assurance commission (commission) is considering amending WAC 246-817-190 to align with the department of labor and industries (L&I) new WAC section number change and to define what the commission will accept as a bona fide dental assistant career training or vocational education program for minors (16- and 17-year-olds) who are seeking dental assistant registration. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules

The following is the schedule of regular meetings for the department of health, Washington state board of nursing (WABON), for 2027. This schedule follows the Open Public Meetings Act (chapter 42.30 RCW) and the Administrative Procedure Act (chapter 34.05 RCW). The nursing care quality assurance commission meetings are open to the public. Access for persons with disabilities may be arranged with advance notice. Please contact the staff person below for more information. Agendas for the meetings

The following is the revised schedule of regular meetings for the department of health, Washington state board of nursing (WABON), for 2026. This schedule follows the Open Public Meetings Act (chapter 42.30 RCW) and the Administrative Procedure Act (chapter 34.05 RCW). The nursing care quality assurance commission meetings are open to the public. Access for persons with disabilities may be arranged with advance notice. Please contact the staff person below for more information. Agendas for the m

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Clarify rule language and correct references in chapter 220-412 WAC. Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The purpose of this rule project is to clarify rule language in WAC 220-412-020 Hunter education deferral, and correct legal references in WAC 220-412-020 and 220-412-030 Master hunter permit program. Reasons Supporting Proposal: The department of fish and wildlife (department) needs to

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing. Purpose: This emergency rule adjusts the closure area in Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Area 9A. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-354-080. 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

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 196-26A WAC, Fees. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.43.035 and 18.43.150 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Creating uniform fees for the professional engineering (PE) and structural engineering (SE) application will streamline the application process to improve efficiency. The resource costs of processing PE and SE applications are essentially the same; therefore, fees f

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON FINDINGS OF THE JOINT ADMINISTRATIVE RULES REVIEW COMMITTEE Notice of Hearing: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Washington state charter school commission (commission) will conduct a public hearing pursuant to RCW 34.05.630 to receive and consider written and oral submissions regarding findings issued by the joint administrative rules review committee (JARRC or committee) on July 31, 2026. The hearing will be conducted as a clearly delineated portion of the commission'

Updated Special Board of Natural Resources Meeting Cancel: August 18 and 19 listed as board retreat day 1 and 2. Add: October 1, special study session, at Natural Resources Building, Room 172. Board members will be virtual but room is open to public. Update: October 6 meeting is to be held in Yakima. Address to be supplied next week. Meeting will start at 9 a.m. Add: October 6 board retreat day 1, Yakima. Add: October 7 board retreat day 2, Yakima. If you have any questions, call Kelli Pinchak a

Emergency Order No. 26-02 To: All health carriers authorized or admitted to offer fully insured health plans in Washington state that are regulated by the Insurance Commissioner. From: Patty Kuderer, Insurance Commissioner Subject: Ordering one-time refill of prescription medications prior to waiting periods, providing a minimum 60-day grace period for payment of premiums, prohibiting cancellations. Pursuant to RCW 48.02.060 (4), the Insurance Commissioner of the state of Washington (Insurance C

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing. Other Findings Required by Other Provisions of Law as Precondition to Adoption or Effectiveness of Rule: Issuance of a formal emergency drought declaration, directed by the governor and signed by the department of ecology (ecology) director. Purpose: Ecology is adopting an emergency drought funding rule for chapter 173-167 WAC. This emergency rule describes grant applicant and project criteria for grant funds to alleviate hardship resulting from t

—Filed August 7, 2026, 8:35 a.m., effective August 7, 2026, 8:35 a.m.] Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing. Purpose: This emergency rule opens Marine Fish-Shellfish Catch Area 25A, outside the Discovery Bay shrimp district to commercial spot shrimp clean-up fisheries effective immediately. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-340-52000Y; and amending WAC 220-340-520. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.020 , 77.12.045 , and 77.12.047 . Under

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing. Purpose: This emergency rule will allow nontreaty commercial fishing opportunities in the Columbia River while protecting fish listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This rule implements federal court orders governing Washington's relationship with treaty Indian tribes, federal law governing Washington's relationship with Oregon, and Washington fish and wildlife commission policy guidance for Columbia River fish

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of health (department) is considering rule amendments to update fees for medical test sites, WAC 246-338-990. The department may also consider changes to clarify and standardize language. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.70.110 , 43.70.250 , and 70.42.090 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering amendments to WAC 246-338-990 regarding a pote

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Meeting Schedule for 2027 DATE TIME LOCATION Thursday, January 14, 2027 3:00 p.m. College Boardroom Thursday, February 11, 2027 3:00 p.m. College Boardroom Thursday, March 11, 2027 3:00 p.m. College Boardroom Thursday, April 8, 2027 3:00 p.m. College Boardroom Thursday, May 13, 2027 3:00 p.m. Centralia College East Thursday, June 10, 2027 3:00 p.m. College Boardroom Thursday, August 12, 2027 3:00 p.m. College Boardroom Thursday, September 9, 2027 3:00 p.m. College Boardroom Thu

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing. Purpose: The purpose of this rule making is to provide for treaty Indian fishing opportunity in the Columbia River while protecting salmon listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This rule making implements federal court orders governing Washington's relationship with treaty Indian tribes and federal law governing Washington's relationship with Oregon. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-3

Effective Date of Rule: August 18, 2026. Purpose: This emergency rule opens Chinook salmon retention in areas of the Snake River. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-050. 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 general welfare, and that observing t

The board of registration for professional engineers and land surveyors requests withdrawal of the preproposal statement of inquiry filed as WSR 26-01-089, for chapter 196-26A WAC. The CR-101 was filed on December 15, 2025, and appeared in issue 26-01 of the State Register. This document serves as the official notification of our withdrawal. Ken Fuller, PE Director

NOTICE Subject: The department of social and health services' (DSHS) home and community living administration and developmental disabilities administration medicaid waiver applications under section 1915(c) Appendix K waiver authority. Effective Date: August 1, 2026 (pending Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approval). Description: The health care authority (HCA) and DSHS intend to submit 1915(c) Appendix K waiver applications to implement policies and procedures that may be diffe

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing. Purpose: WAC 220-340-52000Y: (1) Opens Subregion 1C and Subarea 23A-E to commercial spot shrimp clean-up fisheries effective immediately. (2) Implements hard closure dates for all open spot shrimp areas. WAC 220-340-52500F: (1) Opens that portion of Marine Fish-Shellfish (MFSF) Catch Area 20A in Subregion 1C to commercial nonspot shrimp clean-up fisheries for Puget Sound shrimp pot license holders effective immediately. (2) Closes the portion of M

NOTICE OF APPEAL RCW 34.05.330 (3) Pursuant to RCW 34.05.330 (3), you are hereby notified for publication in the Washington State Register that: On July 6, 2026, the Governor's Office received an appeal from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Northwest Animal Rights Network (NARN), and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) (collectively "Petitioners"), relating to the Washington State Board of Health's denial of a petition to amend WAC 246-101-105 to -810 ( No

2026 CHANGE OF DATE - COMMISSION MEETING The following scheduled meeting date for December has been changed to: November 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the W.L. Hansen Building, Yakima, Washington. The Washington state fruit commission (WSFC) complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These meetings are open to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability. Persons who require reasonable accommodations or alternative means of communication

Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2027. Purpose: Effective January 1, 2027, the American Medical Association is replacing the global obstetrics codes with itemized billing. The health care authority amended this chapter to update language references to global services and fees and made additional housekeeping changes. Changes to WAC are effective January 1, 2027. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 182-533-0400. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 41.05.021 and 41.05.160 .

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: Pharmacy registration for mobile opioid treatment program (OTP) units. The pharmacy quality assurance commission (commission) is adopting amendments for WAC 246-945-060 and 246-945-250 to exempt mobile OTP units from having to obtain separate registrations, as long as they are covered under the OTP site's controlled substance registration, and to incorporate comprehensive facility requirements for facilities that have an other contro

Effective Date of Rule: August 8, 2026. Purpose: This emergency rule opens halibut seasons in Marine Areas 1 through 10. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-314-030. 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 general welfare, and that observing the time r

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The health care authority (agency) added speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs), physical therapy assistants (PTAs), occupational therapy assistants (OTAs), and rural emergency hospitals (REHs) to the list of eligible providers in WAC 182-502-0002. OTAs and PTAs are already listed in WAC 182-545-200 but, for consistency, the agency added these providers to the general eligible provider list in WAC 182-502-0002. The agency added

Effective Date of Rule: August 6, 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 220-354-30000C; 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 publ

Effective Date of Rule: August 7, 2026. Purpose: This emergency rule reduces the Chinook portion of the salmon daily limit in Catch Record Card Area 6. Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: 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 general welfare

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing. Purpose: The health care authority (HCA) amended these rules to update when hospital safety net program assessment notices are sent from "on or about 30 calendar days prior" to "on or before 45 days" to align with RCW 74.60.030 (1). The reference to RCW 74.60.030 (1)(a) was updated to RCW 74.60.030 (1) in WAC 182-550-8100(1). HCA also added language for settlement guidelines to include timelines, appeals, and exclusions, and added a new secti

Effective Date of Rule: September 20, 2026. Purpose: The department of social and health services (department) received a petition requesting the department update [chapter 388-76 WAC] to align with federal requirements for long-term care ombuds access to resident records. The department received a petition requesting a change in the requirement for adult family providers to conduct emergency evacuation drills from every "sixty days" to every "two months." The change will reduce the burden on ad

Subject of Possible Rule Making: For the upcoming 2027-2029 three-year season setting, the Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) is considering rule changes for cougar, bear, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, equipment, migratory game birds, trapping, small and upland game, and other related topics as needed. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012 , 77.04.013 , 77.04.020 , 77.04.055 , and 77.12.047 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subje

NOTICE Subject: Medicaid State Plan Amendment (SPA) 26-0021 Spokane Area Wildfires Disaster Relief. Effective Date: August 7, 2026. (Please note, Washington intends to submit a 1135 waiver; if approved, the effective date will be the date of the emergency declaration.) Description: The health care authority (HCA) and the department of social and health services (DSHS) intend to submit SPA 26-0021 to implement policies and procedures that may be different from the policies and procedures otherwis

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-550-1100 Hospital care—General; other related rules as appropriate. Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.09.835 (chapter 213, Laws of 2024, SSB [2E2SSB] 5580), 41.05.021 , and 41.05.160 . Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The health care authority (HCA) is updating this section to establish rules for a postdelivery and transitional care program as directed under RCW 74.09.835

Notice of Interpretive and Policy Statements Under chapter 42.56 RCW, the department of ecology (ecology) maintains an index that includes interpretive and policy statements issued by the agency. Under RCW 34.05.230 , we are filing notice in the Washington State Register about these statements. To obtain copies of these items, please: • Copy and paste the web address (URL) from the table below into a web browser to view and download; or • Submit an email records request to ecology's public recor

Semi-Annual Rule-Making Agenda (July 31 to December 31, 2026) Following is the Washington military department's semi-annual rule-making agenda for publication in the Washington State Register pursuant to RCW 34.05.314 . If you have questions about the agenda, contact Cynthia Whaley, Military Department Rules Coordinator at Building 1, Camp Murray, WA 98430, phone 253-512-8110, email cynthia.whaley@mil.wa.gov . WAC Citation Subject Matter Agency Contact Current Activity CR-101 CR-102 CR-103 Chapt

Original Notice. Proposal is exempt under RCW 34.05.310 (4) or 34.05.330 (1); and proposal is exempt under RCW 34.05.350 Emergency rules and amendments. Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 308-96A-080 Undercover and confidential license plates — Application procedures, and 308-96A-095 Undercover or confidential license plates — Cancellation. Hearing Location(s): On September 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., via Zoom meeting at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89992460071?pwd=vxryUtmBIoFjaTTeTM