CR-102 Proposed Rule Alert: Updates to Washington School Hearing Screening Standards
In 2023, the Washington State Board of Health (Board) began updating the state’s school hearing screening standards (chapter 246-760 WAC). These rules set requirements for annual screenings, including which students are screened, how often, approved tools, referral criteria, procedures, and staff qualifications.
The proposed updates would allow schools to use otoacoustic emission (OAE) devices as an optional tool for students who can’t be screened with the current technology. The changes also aim to clarify the rule’s language, align it with vision screening standards, and reflect current national guidelines.
The paperwork filed is a CR-102 form WSR 25-09-146. This form announces the proposed rule to the public and includes the proposed rule language. The proposed rules are in English and Spanish on the Board’s webpage.
To submit comments on the proposed rule, use one of the following methods:
- You may submit written comments through May 23, 2025, using the following options:
- Fill out the Board’s formal comment period feedback form: https://airtable.com/apphIxdKIbsd4Drza/pagrWs7U1SIsueuVU/form
- Send comments to the Board’s public comment email address for this proposed rule: schoolauditoryscreening@sboh.wa.gov
- Send comments via U.S. Mail to:
Washington State Board of Health
PO Box 47990
Olympia, WA 98504-7990
- You may provide verbal comments during the rules hearing, which is open to the public, on June 4, 2025. The rules hearing begins at 1:30 p.m.
- You may give verbal comments in-person at the physical meeting location at: Washington State Department of Health 111 Israel Road S.E. Tumwater, WA 98501 Building: Town Center Two (TC2, Rooms 166 & 167)
OR - You may give verbal comments online by registering for the meeting via Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DiQ17FVFSSutIhHIzCvdRw#/registration
- You may give verbal comments in-person at the physical meeting location at: Washington State Department of Health 111 Israel Road S.E. Tumwater, WA 98501 Building: Town Center Two (TC2, Rooms 166 & 167)
Note: The Board will review and consider all written comments received as part of the official rulemaking file. All written comments received are public record and shared on the Board’s website.
Learn more about how to provide public comment on this rule by watching the YouTube video below.
Important Information for the Rules Hearing:
- You may attend the rules hearing in-person at the address listed above or virtually via the Zoom Webinar.
- To give verbal comments on Zoom, you will need to access the meeting using your computer, laptop, or device. Your computer, laptop, or device must have speakers and a microphone.
- The rules hearing will provide Spanish and ASL interpretation services via Zoom.
- If you need meeting interpretation in a different language, please contact Board staff by May 21, 2025.
For more information on this rule revision please:
- Visit the Board’s Auditory Screening rulemaking webpage or
- Email Board staff at schoolauditoryscreening@sboh.wa.gov
To request this document in an alternative format or a different language, or if you would like to request meeting accommodations, please contact the State Board of Health at 360-236-4110 or by email at wsboh@sboh.wa.gov.
