WA Regulation of Health Professionals

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to release an opinion in June 2022 that could impact the current Roe v. Wade ruling. The professional health care regulators of the State of Washington recognize that if Roe v. Wade is impacted it could raise practice concerns for our licensees. The Washington State Medical Commission, Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, and Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission wrote these frequently asked questions (FAQ) to clarify how Washington regulators will continue to address this matter regardless of the U.S. Supreme Court?s ruling.

Rescission of Proclamation 20-32

Governor Inslee announced his intent to rescind COVID emergency proclamations including Proclamation 20-32, that waived statutes and rules relating to licensing healthcare providers. To ensure providers have time to achieve a smooth transition to pre-COVID statutory requirements the rescission goes into effect in est. 70 days. Some portions of the proclamation will affect practitioners immediately after rescission. CME requirements will be extended a full cycle after October 27. Learn More

ESSB 5229 Health Equity -
CR 102 Filled, Rules Hearing Scheduled

In 2021, legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5229. This bill directs the department to create minimum standards for health equity CE that health professionals must take every four years. DOH held four listening sessions and four rule-workshops to help develop proposed rules for minimum standards for health equity CE. The proposed rules require completion of two hours of health equity continuing education every four years for all health professionals credentialed under RCW 18.130.040 with a continuing education requirement. The two CE hours must include implicit bias training to identify strategies to reduce bias during assessment and diagnosis.

You may provide your comments on the proposed rule in the following ways: Submit written comments through September 29, 2022, using one of the following options:

• The Department of Health online rules comment web page
• The U.S. mail: Attn: Ashley Bell, PO Box 47843,
  Olympia, WA 98504

The rules hearing is scheduled for September 29, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. There is only a virtual attendance option available for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Register in advance for this webinar here