Summary
Washington state law requires the State Board of Health (Board) to create rules ensuring children meet certain immunization requirements before attending school or child care in the state. The Board’s rules list these requirements and include the diseases for which children must receive immunizations. It also has the documentation options available to meet these requirements. The Board allowed the Department of Health (Department) to make minor updates to its rules at a recent meeting. The Department adopted updated rules in September 2024. These updates will go into effect on October 31, 2024.
For More Information
Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.210.140, RCW 43.20.050(4)
Board Contact: Molly Dinardo, molly.dinardo@sboh.wa.gov
Department Contact: Meghan Cichy, meghan.cichy@doh.wa.gov
Additional Background
RCW 28A.210.140 authorizes the Board to create rules that detail the steps and requirements for children to meet full immunization standards before attending school or child care centers in Washington State. Chapter 246-105 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) lists these requirements and specifies the diseases for which children must receive immunizations. It also includes the documentation options available to fulfill these requirements. In May 2024, the Department asked the Board to delegate its rulemaking authority to propose and adopt minor administrative changes to two sections of the rule:
- WAC 246-105-040 (Requirements based on national immunization guidelines), and
- WAC 246-105-060 (Duties of schools and child care centers).
At its June 2024 meeting, the Board accepted the Department's request for delegated rulemaking authority. The Board can delegate its rulemaking authority to the Department under RCW43.20.050(4).
The Department requested the following minor changes to the rule:
- Updating the date of the immunization schedule referenced in WAC 246-105-040 from 2019 to 2024.
- Removing the November 1 submission date for school immunization status reporting from the rule.
The Board only accepted and approved these two possible rule changes. The Department's requested changes will not add to or change the documentation list for immunizations required for school or child care entry.
On September 30, 2024, the Department of Health filed a CR-103 rules package to adopt the proposed amendments WAC 246-105-040 and WAC 246-105-060.
These rules will be effective October 31, 2024, 31 days after the filing of the CR-103.
If you have any questions regarding this rule adoption or would like to petition for its adoption in accordance with RCW 34.05.330, please contact Meghan Cichy at Meghan.Cichy@doh.wa.gov.
You can read the CR-103 and the adopted rule language in this document.
Related Links
June 12, 2024, Public Meeting
- State Board of Health Cover Memo
- Department of Health Delegation Request Memo
- Department of Health Presentation
