This memo serves as notice that the state board of health (board) is rescinding the CR-103E for WAC 246-101-017 Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reporting, which was filed December 16, 2022, and published in WSR 23-01-081. Rescission is effective January 1, 2023.

This emergency rule, establishing WAC 246-101-017, designates COVID-19 as a notifiable condition and requires health care providers, health care facilities, laboratories, point-of-care test sites, local health jurisdictions, and the department of agriculture to report essential testing data, patient demographic details, and additional information with each COVID-19 test. The emergency rule is intended to facilitate the flow of information through existing state and local reporting channels to fulfill the requirements of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, guidance from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, as well as requirements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

In March 2021, the board adopted numerous revisions to chapter 246-101 WAC, Notifiable conditions. Of these revisions, COVID-19 is designated as a notifiable condition and requires timely reporting of cases by regulated entities under the chapter. These revisions go into effect January 1, 2023.

The board is rescinding the emergency rule filed as WSR 23-01-081 to reduce redundancy and clarify reporting requirements for COVID-19 in Washington state.

Individuals requiring information on this rule should contact Kaitlyn Campbell, state board of health policy advisor, at kaitlyn.campbell@sboh.wa.gov or 360-584-6737.