DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Occupational Therapy Practice Board)

[Filed August 28, 2025, 9:43 a.m.]

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Occupational therapists; updating references to continuing competency (CC) hours. The occupational therapy practice board (board) is proposing amendments to WAC 246-847-055 and 246-847-067 to align references of required CC hours throughout the chapter.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: In 2025, the board adopted amendments to several sections in chapter 246-847 WAC to implement recently enacted law, RCW 18.130.077, addressing licensure requirement waivers for out-of-state and nationally certified applicants. One of the updates the board adopted was a change from 30 hours to 24 hours of CC requirements to align with national standards.

During that rule making, WAC 246-847-055 and 246-847-067 were not included along with the other sections. The purpose of these proposed amendments is to align references of required CC hours in these sections with recent changes adopted in chapter 246-847 WAC.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The proposed amendments ensure that language is consistent throughout the chapter. By clarifying the language, occupational therapy license holders will avoid confusion regarding the CC hours needed to renew a license to practice as an occupational therapist.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.59.130.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 18.59.090.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Name of Proponent: Occupational therapy practice board, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Kathy Weed, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 360-236-4883.

This notice meets the following criteria to use the expedited adoption process for these rules:

Corrects typographical errors, makes address or name changes, or clarifies language of a rule without changing its effect.

Explanation of the Reason the Agency Believes the Expedited Rule-Making Process is Appropriate: This expedited proposal is in accordance with RCW 34.05.353 (1)(c) and clarifies language in WAC 246-847-055 and 246-847-067 to align with recent changes adopted in chapter 246-847 WAC.

THIS RULE IS BEING PROPOSED UNDER AN EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THE AGENCY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, PREPARE A SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT, OR PROVIDE RESPONSES TO THE CRITERIA FOR A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE RULE. IF YOU OBJECT TO THIS USE OF THE EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS, YOU MUST EXPRESS YOUR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING AND THEY MUST BE SENT TO Kathy Weed, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-4883, email kathy.weed@doh.wa.gov, https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview/, BEGINNING the date and time of filing, AND RECEIVED BY November 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Ryan Wilson, Chairperson

Occupational Therapy Practice Board

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 18-09-032, filed 4/11/18, effective 8/1/18)

WAC 246-847-055Initial application for individuals who have never practiced occupational therapy.

(1) Any initial applicant must comply with the requirements for licensure as specified in chapters 18.59 RCW and 246-847 WAC.

(2) An initial applicant who graduated more than three years but less than five years from date of application and never practiced must comply with the requirements for licensure as specified in chapters 18.59 RCW and 246-847 WAC and submit proof to the department of:

(a) Completion of ((thirty))24 hours of continued competency as described in WAC 246-847-065 for the previous two-year period; and

(b) Completion of a board-approved reentry program((.));

(3) Initial applicants who graduated five or more years ago and never practiced must comply with the requirements for licensure as specified in chapters 18.59 RCW and 246-847 WAC and submit proof to the department of:

(a) Completion of ((thirty))24 hours of continued competency as described in WAC 246-847-065 for the previous two-year period; and

(b) Completion of a board-approved reentry program;

(i) Completion of extended course work preapproved by the board; or

(ii) Successfully retaking and passing the examinations specified in WAC 246-847-080((.));

(d) Completion of any additional requirements as required by the board.

(4) The applicant may be required to appear before the board for oral interview.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-01-102, filed 12/13/19, effective 5/15/20)

WAC 246-847-067Initial application for individuals who have an expired license in a different state and are seeking Washington licensure.

(1) An initial applicant with an expired license in a different state who has not practiced for less than three years must comply with the requirements for licensure as specified in chapter 18.59 RCW and this chapter.

(2) An initial applicant with an expired license in a different state who has not practiced for three or more years but less than five years from date of application must comply with the requirements for licensure as specified in chapter 18.59 RCW and this chapter and submit proof to the department of:

(a) Completion of ((thirty))24 hours of continued competency as described in WAC 246-847-065 for the previous two-year period; and

(b) Completion of any additional requirements as required by the board.

(3) An initial applicant with an expired license in a different state who has not practiced for five or more years from date of application must comply with the requirements for licensure as specified in chapter 18.59 RCW and this chapter and submit proof to the department of:

(a) Completion of ((thirty))24 hours of continued competency as described in WAC 246-847-065 for the previous two-year period;

(b) Completion of a board-approved reentry program; and

(i) Completion of extended course work preapproved by the board; or

(ii) Successfully retaking and passing the examinations specified in WAC 246-847-080((.));

(d) Completion of any additional requirements as required by the board.

(4) The applicant may be required to appear before the board for oral interview.