The department of health (department) is considering amendments to the CODS enhancement rule chapter, chapter 246-804 WAC. This rule making will open all current rule sections and consider: (1) Adding new rule sections; (2) clarifying current standards for the CODS enhancement, application process, and definitions; (3) creating new curriculum standards for training programs; and (4) developing an educational program application and approval process.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Co-occurring treatment is emerging as a high need in Washington. In 2019, the legislature passed ESHB 1768 (chapter 444, Laws of 2019), to create the CODS enhancement as an expedited pathway to support mental health professionals in obtaining training in substance use disorder treatment. Since the CODS enhancement was created, two university-based programs have offered an approved curriculum for interested providers, but the interest in the enhancement has expanded. While this enhancement initially involved a minimal implementation when the statute was amended (2019), the department now has more clarity on the needs of the workforce. To support this need, the department needs to have consistent training standards that apply equally to all education and training programs interested in developing CODS enhancement curricula. This rule making will clarify the role of the CODS enhancement in the workforce and the rules for providers who have obtained the enhancement.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Claire Wilson, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 564-669-0392, TTY 711, email claire.wilson@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Interested parties can participate in drafting the proposed rules. The department will be conducting rules workshops with interested parties and subject matter experts. The department will use the GovDelivery substance use disorder professionals, licensed counselors, and agency affiliated counselors lists to inform interested parties of opportunities to provide input on proposed rule language.

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