Publications

Strategic Plan: Our goals focus on strengthening the public health system, promoting prevention to improve health and wellness, promoting health equity, and promoting healthy and safe environments. These goals support our core mission of providing statewide leadership in developing and promoting policies that prevent disease and improve and protect the public's health, for all people living in our state.

Impact Report - updated in March 2026: In 2022, Governor Jay Inslee issued Executive Order 22-04, which directs state agencies, boards and commissions to implement the Washington State Pro-Equity Anti-Racism [PEAR] Strategic Action Plan and Playbook. The PEAR plan is now referred to as the Impact plan. The Impact strategic plan intends to drive changes in systems, policies and practices by addressing upstream, root cause issues that perpetuate systemic inequities. This executive order provides the Board with resources to elevate this work and create a transparent and actionable plan. The plan details how the Board can move closer to becoming an equitable government agency and ultimately enable all people in Washington to flourish and thrive. The Impact Report is updated each year.
2026 State Health Report: We are responsible for producing a State Health Report every two years that outlines health priorities facing the people of Washington. The report highlights strategic directions and high-level initiatives that deserve the attention of the Governor and state Legislators. The Governor must approve, modify, or disapprove the report, according to statute.
School Environmental Health and Safety Rule (WAC 246-370)
2025 School Rule Environmental Justice Assessment by the Department of Health: During the 2024 legislative session, the Legislature included a proviso in the operating budget (2024 ESSB 5950 §222(159)) that required the Board to convene a multi-disciplinary technical advisory committee (TAC) to review chapters 246-366 and 246-366A WAC. These documents contain the TAC’s recommendations, including a proposed set of minimum environmental health and safety standards for schools, a fiscal analysis, and an environmental justice assessment of the proposed rule.

cCMV Newborn Screening Legislative Report (December 2025): The Board, with the support of the Department of Health, evaluates potential new conditions through a defined process and criteria involving evidence, ethics, equity, and cost-effectiveness. As directed by SSB 5829 (Chapter 96, Laws of 2024), the Board has submitted its final report on congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV). The report includes the Board’s findings and recommendation not to add cCMV to the state’s mandatory newborn screening panel.

Newborn Screening Process & Criteria - updated August 20, 2025: We have authority to adopt rules for the screening of newborns in Washington, including the list of conditions for the screening of newborns for which all newborns must be screened. In order to determine which conditions to include in the newborn screening panel, the Board convenes a technical advisory committee to evaluate candidate conditions using guiding principles and an established set of criteria outlined in the Newborn Screening Criteria document.

BCKDK Deficiency Newborn Screening Legislative Report (June 2025): The Board, with the support of the Department of Health, evaluates potential new conditions through a defined process and criteria involving evidence, ethics, equity, and cost-effectiveness. As directed by SB 6234 (Chapter 105, Laws of 2024), the Board has submitted its final report on Branched-Chain Ketoacid Dehydrogenase Kinase (BCKDK). The report includes the Board’s findings and recommendation not to add BCKDK deficiency to the state’s mandatory newborn screening panel.
Keeping of Animals Report: This report provides information about the Board’s Keeping of Animals rule. The report aims to reset and restart work on the update of the Keeping of Animals rule with fresh policy direction from the Board. The paper also lists additional policy ideas for other Board involvement in the issues.
Immunizations Screening Criteria: We have authority to adopt rules establishing the immunization requirements establishing the immunization requirements for child care or school entry. The Board considers factors other than those considered by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to address the unique needs of our state. The Board approaches these decisions by using Board developed rationale and criteria outlined in the Immunizations Screening Criteria document.
SBOH Oral Health Statement - Revised 2026: The Board recognizes oral health as an essential part of overall health and well-being. Good oral health supports healthy growth, helps prevent disease, and improves quality of life at every age. The Board supports policies and partnerships that expand access to oral health care, advance health equity, and integrate oral health into public health efforts across Washington. Through rulemaking and other policy actions, the Board provides leadership to improve community health and well-being. In August 2026, the Board adopted a statement affirming the importance of oral health. Read the SBOH Oral Health Statement for more information.
Racism is a Public Health Crisis Letter: The Board has a duty to look inward to identify and understand how our actions and our work contribute to and exacerbate systemic and institutional racism. We cannot do this work alone. The Board commits to listening to, learning from, and partnering with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-led organizations to dismantle institutional racism and improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within our Board. By collaboratively identifying a path forward, we will be better equipped to advance racial and social justice within our own scope of work.