Summary
The State Board of Health (Board) makes rules for the yearly hearing screenings done in Washington schools. These rules are in chapter 246-760 WAC. The rules ensure schools can identify students with difficulty hearing and refer them for follow-up care. In August 2023, a community group requested that the Board update its hearing screening rules. This group asked the Board if it would consider adding another hearing screening technology to the rules. The Board accepted the request and is considering this possible update. The Board may also consider other technical or minor changes to the rule during this process.
Check out this ASL video that describes this project and shares how you can get involved.
Versión del guion del video en español.
Find additional videos about the project on our YouTube channel.
For More Information
Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.210.020
State Board of Health Contact: Molly Dinardo, molly.dinardo@sboh.wa.gov
If you would like to receive future updates for these rules (e.g., email notices with the next steps on this project and other opportunities to be involved), you can fill out the auditory screening rulemaking interest form online here: https://airtable.com/appInSCDg3PQGljEz/pagLMwUygEb81rYhw/form
Share Your Input on Updates to the Board’s Hearing Screening Standards
The Board wants your feedback on proposed updates to the rules for hearing screening in Washington’s schools. This is your chance to suggest changes, ask questions, or share your ideas. Your feedback will help shape the final rule before it’s opened for formal public comment and the Board holds a hearing to decide on the final changes.
You can find the document with updated rule language here: Draft Proposed Updates to the Current Rule Language
The informal comment period ends on Monday, April 14, 2025.
How to Provide Feedback:
- Fill out the informal comment form here: https://airtable.com/apphIxdKIbsd4Drza/pagy2pftnYZ2dqZ30/form
- The form lets you give feedback on specific sections of the rule. You can skip any sections you don't have input on.
- If you need help with the form, have questions, or want to submit feedback by email, contact: schoolauditoryscreening@sboh.wa.gov.
Additional Background
The Board sets the standards for auditory and visual screening of children attending schools in Washington (chapter 246-760 WAC). These standards aim to screen and identify students who may be experiencing hearing or vision impairments and refer them for diagnostic evaluation and care by an appropriate healthcare provider.
On October 18, 2023, the Board filed a CR-101, Preproposal Statement of Inquiry. The filing is in response to a petition for rulemaking to include otoacoustic emission (OAE) screening technology in the Board’s auditory screening standards for schools.
The CR-101 announces to the public that the Board is considering revisions to the auditory screening sections of the rule and reviewing options regarding whether to include OAE screening technology. The Board may consider technical or editorial changes as needed.
This project was announced on October 18, 2023, and can be found under WSR 23-22-004 (CR-101).
