Subject of Possible Rule Making: Music therapists. The department of health (department) is considering creating a new chapter of rules under Title 246 WAC to establish licensing regulations for music therapists, including fees. The department will consider any necessary rules for an advisory committee.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.233.060, 18.233.070, 43.70.250; and chapter 18.233 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: SHB 1247 (chapter 175, Laws of 2023), codified as chapter 18.233 RCW, directs the department to adopt rules necessary to implement a licensure program for music therapists. Rules must be in place by January 1, 2025, and include:

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.


•	Education, training, and examination requirements for initial licensure;
•	Continuing education requirements;
•	Fees for licensing, examination, and renewal; and
•	Other qualifications as determined by the secretary.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kendra Pitzler, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-4723, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 711, email music.therapist@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: The department will use existing GovDelivery lists and other known contact information to inform interested parties of opportunities to provide input on proposed rule language. To find out more information about our rule making, visit www.doh.wa.gov. To subscribe to GovDelivery, please visit www.doh.wa.gov and select the "Sign up for Updates from DOH" button at the bottom of the page. After signing in, please click open the box labeled "Health Systems Quality Assurance." Next, click open the box labeled "Health Professions," and then click on "Music Therapists."