WSR 25-17-067

EXPEDITED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed August 18, 2025, 2:36 p.m.]

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Licensed mental health counselor associates; University of Washington Health Sciences Library (HEAL-WA) fee for licensed mental health counselor associates. The department of health (department) is proposing amendments to WAC 246-809-990 to add the HEAL-WA fee to align with changes made by HB 1190 (chapter 19, Laws of 2025).

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: HB 1190 expands access for licensed mental health counselor associates to the online health sciences library. This proposal amends WAC 246-809-990 to add the $16 HEAL-WA fee to the list of fees required for licensed mental health counselor associates for both initial licensure and at renewal.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: As dictated by statute, rule making is required to establish the HEAL-WA fee for licensed mental health counselor associates. The HEAL-WA web portal supports public health by providing the participating practitioners with access to the latest evidence-based health care information. Having access to current, peer reviewed, clinical information improves a practitioner's ability to respond to patient questions, develop treatment plans, and deliver quality care to their patients. The proposed amendments to WAC 246-809-990 will ensure that the section accurately reflects the fees.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.225.040 and HB 1190 (chapter 19, Laws of 2025), codified in RCW 43.70.110.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 43.70.110.

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

Name of Proponent: Department of health, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Lana Crawford, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 564-669-1455.

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

Content is explicitly and specifically dictated by statute.

Explanation of the Reason the Agency Believes the Expedited Rule-Making Process is Appropriate: The expedited rule-making process is appropriate because the proposed amendments align the rules with the statute. It is necessary to implement the legislation appropriately.

NOTICE

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 Lana Crawford, Department of Health, Office of Health Professions, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 564-669-1455, email Lana.Crawford@doh.wa.gov, https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview/, BEGINNING the date and time of this filing, AND RECEIVED BY October 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

August 18, 2025

Todd Mountin, PMP

Deputy Chief of Policy

for Dennis E. Worsham

Secretary of Health

RDS-6578.1