State regulations have a big impact on hospitals, health systems and their patients. WSHA tracks rulemaking activity throughout the state and works closely with regulatory agencies, as well as other groups, to advocate for a reasonable regulatory environment. All statewide rulemaking activity is published in the Washington State Register.
Click here to see WSHA’s Top Priority State Rules Tracker
(Updated: November 12, 2024)
There are several regulatory issues at the top of WSHA’s current priority list, including:
Nursing Education Simulation Rule: The Department of Health has issued a final CR-103 rulemaking to implement new WAC 246-840-5341 related to the use of simulation for clinical experiences in LPN, RN, or RN to BSN nursing education programs in the state. This final rulemaking provides that LPN, RN or BSN nursing education programs can provide simulation-based learning as a substitute for clinical and direct patient care experience hours as required at a 1:2 ratio. Simulation shall be counted as two hours of required clinical and direct patient care. (Katerina LaMarche).
State Funded Long-Term Care Services: The Health Care Authority has issued a final CR-103 rulemaking related to state-funded long-term care services. This proposed rulemaking amends Chapter 182-507 WAC (medical assistance programs available to noncitizens), to include intermediate care facilities in the list of locations state-funded long-term care services are authorized to be provided. Individuals diagnosed with an intellectual disability (ICF/IID) can receive care in these facilities. (Caitlin Safford).
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Rulemaking: The Department of Health has announced a virtual workshop on June 10th and five additional workshops thereafter, to consider amendments to the Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Certificate of Need rulemaking. Registration in advance is required to attend the June 10th workshop, please complete registration here.
The first workshop will cover sections 700, 705 and 710 of the draft rule language as shared by the Department. Future workshops will take place June 25, July 16, Aug. 6, Aug. 27 and Sept. 10. WSHA will attend these workshops and monitor this rulemaking. (Remy Kerr).
Delegation of Glucose Monitoring and Testing by an RN: The Department of Health has issued a final CR-103 rulemaking related to nurse delegation of blood glucose monitoring and testing in settings other than in-home or in the community, pursuant to SHB 1124 (Chapter 14, Laws of 2022). This final rulemaking expands the scope of tasks that a registered nurse (RN) is authorized to delegate and broadens the authorized health care settings in which care delivery occurs. WSHA participated in the collaborative rule making process and provided significant feedback to ensure the rulemaking language was consistent with the scope of SHB 1124. (Katerina LaMarche).
WA HEALTH tracking system and hospital readiness reporting: The Department of Health has issued a CR-101 rulemaking considering permanent adoption of current emergency rules regarding the Washington Health Care Emergency and Logistics Tracking Hub (WA HEALTH). Permanent rule adoption would amend Title 246 WAC to require acute care hospitals licensed pursuant to 70.41 RCW and add behavioral health facilities licensed under RCW 71.24.037 to report hospital system readiness to DOH through the WA HEALTH database. WSHA intends to participate in the collaborative rule making process upon issuance of the CR-102 rulemaking. (Caitlin Safford)
Electronic visit verification rulemaking: The Health Care Authority has issued a CR-101 rulemaking to describe system requirements for electronic visit verification (EVV) for home health care services. EVV elements are federally required per Section 12006(a) of the 21st Century Cures Act. WSHA will continue to closely monitor this rulemaking and participate in the stakeholder process. (Zosia Stanley, Caitlin Safford)
State-funded guardianship, conservatorship and alternative arrangements assistance program: The Department of Social and Health Services has issued a final CR-103 rulemaking to amend chapter 388-106 WAC for the implementation of a state-funded guardianship, conservatorship and alternative arrangements program. This rulemaking will put forth requirements for the program including eligibility criteria and an application process for clients or potential clients of the department. (Zosia Stanley).
Semi-Annual Rulemaking Agendas– Several state agencies relevant to hospitals issued their semi-annual rulemaking agendas. The agendas show what rules are currently in progress and what rules are forthcoming this year. Click the agency below to view its’ agenda:
- Department of Health
- Office of the Insurance Commissioner
- Health Care Authority
- Department of Social and Health Services
- Department of Children, Youth, and Families
- Department of Labor & Industries
- Employment Security Department
Note: the DOH agenda includes rules for the Washington Medical Commission, State Board of Health, Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission, and Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. (Remy Kerr)
Click here to see WSHA’s Top Priority State Rules Tracker – **2024 Completed Rules**
