Subject of Possible Rule Making: Establishing chapter 246-929 WAC, Certified peer specialists. The department of health (department) is considering rule making to establish the new certified peer specialist profession created by 2SSB 5555 (chapter 469, Laws of 2023). This rule-making inquiry will consider rules regulating the new certified peer specialist and certified peer specialist trainee credentials. Topics that will be considered during rule making include, but are not limited to: Application process, education and training, experience, scope of practice, continuing competency, and fees. In collaboration with partners and other interested parties, the department may also consider any other rules appropriate to establish and regulate the peer specialist profession.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: During the 2023 legislative session, the legislature passed 2SSB 5555 to create the new certified peer specialist credentials, to establish authority of the department and the health care authority (HCA) over aspects of the profession, and to direct the department to begin issuing credentials by July 1, 2025. 2SSB 5555 also authorizes the secretary of health to adopt any rules necessary to implement the new profession, including rules on fees, forms and procedures, education and training requirements, scope of practice, equivalency with other states, supervised experience, continuing competency requirements, and appeal procedures. In addition to fulfilling the intent of 2SSB 5555, creating rules for this profession will allow the department to consistently uphold standards that protect patient safety.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Under 2SSB 5555, the department and HCA share authority over the certified peer specialist profession. HCA is granted authority over specific elements, including developing training programs and examinations. The department will collaborate with HCA as the rule making proceeds.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Ted Dale, P.O. Box 47850, Olympia, WA 98504-7850, phone 360-236-2991, TTY 711, email ted.dale@doh.wa.gov, website doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Interested parties can participate in the drafting of the proposed rules. The department will be conducting rules workshops with interested parties and subject matter experts. The department will use the GovDelivery peer specialists list to inform interested parties of opportunities to provide input on proposed rule language.

To subscribe to GovDelivery, please visit www.doh.wa.gov, and select the "Subscribe" button at the bottom of the page. Please go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new. After signing in, please click open the box labeled "Health Systems Quality Assurance." Next, click open on the box labeled "Health Professions," and then click on "Peer Specialists." You may also check the box next to one or more of the other professions listed to receive information related to that specific profession.