How We Do Rulemaking
From start to finish, we are committed to being transparent and involving the public in the rulemaking process.
- Open rules: We are actively working on making changes to a rule. We have formally initiated rulemaking by filing notice with the Washington Code Reviser.
- Recently Adopted rules: The Board has voted to approve changes to the rules, the order of adoption is filed with the Code Reviser, and changes are being implemented. We generally keep recently adopted rules on this web page for 12-months after the rule’s official date of implementation.
- Delayed rules: We have initiated rulemaking, but the work is on-hold. The Board may suspend its work on a rule due to lack of resources, need for more research, prioritization of other projects, or legislative action.
What are the typical phases in the rulemaking process?
There are typically three phases in agency rulemaking: inquiry, proposal and adoption. This linked PDF contains a full description with explanation of the phases.
How to Participate
We encourage public participation in our rulemaking process. We will provide details below with links to the appropriate rule page for active comment periods and hearing dates.
- Submit written comments during informal rule comment periods.
- Submit written comments during formal rule comment periods.
- Testify at an official rules hearing.
Open Rules
- Newborn Screening—OTC, GAMT, and ARG1-D
- Tribal Representation on Local Board of Health (LBOH) Membership
- Sanitary Control of Shellfish
- Water Recreation Facilities
- Vital Records Rulemaking Delegation
- Group A Public Water Supplies—PFAS—Current Rulemakings
- Rulemaking to Adjust COVID-19 Notifiable Conditions Reporting Requirements
Recently Adopted Rules
- Hearing Screening Standards for Washington Schools
- Rulemaking Delegation—Sanitary Control of Shellfish - Minimum Performance Standards
- Rulemaking Delegation—Minor Updates to the Board’s Immunization Rules
- On-site Sewage Systems
- Group A Public Water Supplies—Climate Resilience Planning
Delayed Rules
- School Environment Health and Safety
A proviso prevents the Board from implementing new school rules. If the legislature lifts it, the Board may start rulemaking to replace chapter 246-366 WAC with chapter 246-370 WAC. To learn about recommendations to modernize the rule, review the Board of Health Legislative Report.
Opportunities to Connect with the Board
- Attend a regularly scheduled Board meeting. These meetings are hybrid and offer online and in-person options.
- Submit public comment. Submit your comments before the meeting or share them in person during the public comment period.
- Add your name to our email distribution list and get notices about rules, meetings, and other information about our work.
Rulemaking Glossary & Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly used words and phrases and frequently asked questions about agency rulemaking.
