Rulemaking Activity & COVID-19
Washington state fully reopened on June 30, 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic public health professionals were reassigned to response activities. For this reason, we altered some of the timelines for our rulemaking projects. As we navigate the state’s reopening, we remain committed to involving the public in the work we do while protecting the health and safety of Washingtonians. Some rule projects may continue to be delayed during this time period. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
How We Do Rulemaking
From start to finish, we are committed to being transparent and involving the public in the rulemaking process.
- Open rules: we are actively working on making changes to a rule. We have formally initiated rulemaking by filing notice with the Washington Code Reviser.
- Recently Adopted rules: the Board has voted to approve changes to the rules, the order of adoption is filed with the Code Reviser, and changes are being implemented. We keep recently adopted rules on this web page for 12-months after the rule’s official date of implementation.
- Delayed rules: we have initiated rulemaking, but the work is on-hold. The Board may suspend its work on a rule due to lack of resources, need for more research, prioritization of other projects, or legislative action.
What are the typical phases in the rulemaking process?
A full description with explanations of what the typical phases are in the rulemaking process.
Open Rules
- Keeping of Animals
- Local Board of Health Composition
- Newborn Screening - OTCD
- Notifiable Conditions - COVID-19 Permanent Rule
- Onsite Sewage Systems
- Sanitary Control of Shellfish
- Water Recreation Facilities
Recently Adopted Rules
- Communicable and Certain Other Diseases - STD Modernization
- Drinking Water Laboratory Certification and Data Reporting
- Food Service
- Group A Public Water Supplies, PFAS Drinking Water Standard
- Notifiable Conditions - COVID-19 Reporting
- Notifiable Conditions - Permanent Rule
- Prenatal Tests – Congenital and Heritable Disorders
Delayed Rules
- Onsite Sewage System, Drain-field Remediation
- Primary and Secondary School Environment Health and Safety
How to Participate
We offer you many ways to participate in our rulemaking process.
- Attend a regularly scheduled Board meeting. Send us your comments ahead of time or share them in-person during the public comment period.
- Submit written comments during informal and formal rule comment periods.
- Testify at an official rules hearing.
- Add your name to our email distribution list and get notices about rules, meetings, and other information about our work.
Rulemaking Glossary & Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly used words and phrases and frequently asked questions about agency rulemaking.
