Notifiable Conditions

The Notifiable Conditions rule outlines requirements for information that health care providers, health care facilities, laboratories, and other entities must report that is necessary for public health officials to protect the public's health by tracking communicable diseases and other conditions. On March 10, 2021 the Board adopted amendments to the Notifiable Conditions rule (chapter 246-101 WAC). Changes to the rules include, but are not limited to:

  • Adding notification and specimen submission requirements for “new conditions” and conditions currently identified as “other rare diseases of public health significance”;
  • Updating and clarifying notification and specimen submission requirements for certain existing conditions;
  • Clarifying and improving requirements for suspected cases;
  • Adding requirements to report race, ethnicity, and preferred language;
  • Revising the reporting requirements for veterinarians and the Department of Agriculture;
  • Adding enhanced service facilities licensed under chapter 70.97 RCW to the definition of “health care facility;”
  • Editorial revisions consistent with statutory changes made during the 2020 legislative session (Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1551, Modernizing the control of certain communicable diseases);
  • Updating statutory references in the rules, including updated references to the Security and Confidentiality Guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and
  • Improving overall clarity and usability of the chapter.

The concise explanatory statement summarizes the differences between the proposed rules and adopted rules and the response to public comments. The Board and the Department will develop implementation guidance for regulated entities.

At their November meeting, the Board considered a request from the Department of Health to extend the effective date of the adopted rule changes, set to take effect January 31, 2022. The Board accepted the request and the effective date of the adopted rules has been extended to January 1, 2023.

Questions about the Notifiable Conditions rules and implementation can be sent to notifiableconditions@sboh.wa.gov.

Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050, RCW 43.70.545, RCW 70.24.130, RCW 70.28.032, and RCW 70.104.055
State Board of Health Contact: Kaitlyn Donahoe, 360-584-6737
Department of Health Contact: Alexandra Montaño, 360-236-4205
For media or general inquiries about this rule, please contact Kelie Kahler, Board Communication Manager, 360-236-4102

Related Links: Meeting Materials