Rules filed November 18, 2025



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The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) updated its rulemaking website

Rules filed November 18, 2025

For information on all L&I meetings and public hearings related to rulemaking, please visit our public participation calendar [ [link removed] ]. [ [link removed] ]



Division: Customer Service, Compliance, and Public Safety ("formerly Field Services and Public Safety") - Electrical Program

Topic: Adoption (CR-103) – Electrical Rule Updates

Brief Description: This rulemaking amended Chapter 296-46B WAC, Electrical safety standards, administration, and installation, to adopt the 2026 edition of the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 70, also known as the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC sets the standard for safe electrical installations in homes, businesses, and institutions to protect people and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. The 2026 NEC replaces the current 2023 edition. L&I is adopting the 2026 NEC in its entirety by reference under this rulemaking with a delayed effective of December 31, 2026, to give stakeholders advance notice of its adoption.

L&I plans to engage in a subsequent rulemaking in early 2026 to begin the formal review process of the 2026 NEC. As part of the subsequent rulemaking, stakeholders will have the opportunity to submit proposals for amendments to the 2026 NEC code requirements and make recommendations to L&I on adoption of the rules prior to the effective date for the 2026 NEC.

This rulemaking also adopts additional amendments to update an outdated temperature restriction for certain cable types and to provide better clarity for reporting trainee hours of experience.

*Effective date: December 19, 2025*

Additional information about this rulemaking:
CR-103 Adoption [ [link removed] ]
Adoption Language [ [link removed] ]
Final Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) [ [link removed] ]
Concise Explanatory Statement (CES) [ [link removed] ]



Division: Insurance Services - Employer Services

Topic: Adoption (CR-103) – Reporting and Classification Amendments for 2026

Brief Description: The purpose of this rulemaking is to implement clear rule writing to ensure staff and customers can easily understand and apply the workers’ compensation insurance classification and reporting rules. Classification Development reviewed classifications and reporting rules for improvement and clarification. The purpose of this rulemaking is not to make substantive changes to how employers are classified and amendments will not increase employer rates.

L&I reviewed Chapter 296-17 WAC, General Reporting Rules, Audit and Recordkeeping, Rates and Rating System for Washington Workers’ Compensation Insurance; and Chapter 296-17A WAC, Classifications for Washington Workers’ Compensation Insurance; for need, clarity, and consistency to make changes where possible to reduce the regulatory burden on employers insured with the State Fund.

*Effective date: January 1, 2026*

Additional information about this rulemaking:
CR-103 Adoption [ [link removed] ]
Adoption Language [ [link removed] ]
Concise Explanatory Statement (CES) [ [link removed] ]



Division: Insurance Services - Health Services Analysis

Topic: Preproposal (CR-101) – Reimbursement Policies: Physical Medicine

Brief Description: The purpose of this rulemaking is to update WAC 296-21-290, Physical medicine, under Chapter 296-21 WAC, Reimbursement policies: Psychiatric services, biofeedback, physical medicine. This amendment will include additional providers who can be authorized and paid for physical medicine services. This rulemaking will include adding chiropractors and occupational therapists as types of providers who can perform physical medicine services. Expanding the providers who can provide physical medicine services will increase access to care for workers and improve patient outcomes.

Additional information about this rulemaking:
CR-101 Preproposal [ [link removed] ]








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Washington State Department of Labor & Industries · 7273 Linderson Way SW · Tumwater WA 98501
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