Overview
The Washington State Board of Health (Board) has received and will consider multiple petitions for rulemaking at its March 9 public meeting.
- The Board will consider several petitions requesting to repeal the Procedures for Isolation and Quarantine rule (WAC 246-100-040) and the Enforcement of Local Health Officer Orders rule (WAC 246-100-070).
- The Board will consider a petition requesting to amend Responsibilities and Duties – Local Health Officer rule (WAC 246-100-036).
- The Board will consider a petition requesting to add a new rule regarding the immunization requirements for childcare and school entry (chapter 246-105 WAC).
The Authority of the Washington State Board of Health
The Board has authority to adopt rules for the imposition and use of isolation and quarantine, including due process requirements. The Board has adopted such rules in WAC 246-100-040 through WAC 246-100-065. The section of rules are available on the Washington state legislature website.
The Board has authority to adopt rules to establish the procedural and substantive requirements for full immunization. Chapter 246-105 WAC governs the immunization of children in school and childcare against certain vaccine-preventable diseases.
Possible Actions of the Board
The Board will consider all petitions at the March 9 public meeting. The Board may vote to deny or accept the petitions. If denied, the petitioner may appeal the decision to the governor. If accepted, the Board will direct staff to initiate rulemaking.
Rulemaking Petitions
The Administrative Procedures Act (RCW 34.05.330) allows any person to petition a state agency to request adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rule. An agency must respond within 60 days with their decision to accept or deny the petition.
