Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-811-010, 246-811-030, 246-811-035, 246-811-046, 246-811-270, 246-811-990, and creating new section(s) in chapter 246-811 WAC, Substance use disorder professionals and substance use disorder professionals trainees. The department of health (department) is considering updating these sections and possibly adopting new sections to implement EHB 1311, develop apprenticeship as a pathway to meeting educational requirements for substance use disorder professional (SUDP) certification, and update rule language as appropriate.

This rule making is a continuation of discussions with interested parties and rule-making work done under WSR 21-15-110 to implement EHB 1311. The department is filing a new CR-101 to open additional rules and ensure the requirements of EHB 1311 are properly incorporated into chapter 246-811 WAC.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering amending WAC 246-811-010, 246-811-030, 246-811-035, 246-811-046, 246-811-270, 246-811-990, and creating new rule section(s) to implement recent legislation. EHB 1311 is intended to enable more people to become SUDPs by allowing creation of SUDP apprenticeships, a noncollege pathway to obtain an SUDP credential. Amending listed rules and possibly adopting new rule sections in chapter 246-811 WAC will align department rules with statutory changes. Rule making to create a framework and educational standards for SUDP apprenticeships will provide clarity for licensees, apprenticeship programs, and the public. Additionally, it 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: Washington state department of labor and industries (L&I) is responsible for registering and approving apprenticeship programs after they are approved by the secretary of health. The department is working with L&I to ensure that department rules complement L&I's existing rules and processes.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Ashley Bell, P.O. Box 47825, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-236-2961, TTY 711, email ashley.bell@doh.wa.gov; or Ted Dale, P.O. Box 47825, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-236-2991, TTY 711, email ted.dale@doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Rule-making notices will be delivered via GovDelivery. To receive notices, interested persons may sign up for any or all of the lists. 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 the box labeled "Health Professions." From there, you may check the box next to one or more of the professions listed.