The rules writing process is open to the public. The public is welcome to take part in helping us write rules. Rules are also known as regulations, Washington Administrative Code, or WAC. The rule-making process includes public notices and workshops, and usually a public hearing before a rule becomes final.
Current rules in progress
- The medical assistant program has officially filed a CR-101, WSR 23-20-118 (PDF), with the Office of the Code Reviser on October 3, 2023.
The Department of Health is considering rule amendments to WAC 246-827-0010, 246-827-0200, and 246-827-0240 to align with statutes updated by Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1073 (Chapter 134, Laws of 2023) (PDF) and ensure that the rules are current and align with best practices. The department will also consider adding a new section, WAC 246-827-0340, to address the medication administration requirements for the medical assistant-registered credential.
ESHB 1073 (PDF) updated supervision requirements and the scope of practice for medical assistants. The department is considering amendments to medical assistant rules to align with the updates from ESHB 1073 and establish requirements for medication administration by a medical assistant-registered credential holder. ESHB 1073 significantly expanded the scope of practice for the medical assistant-registered credential, specifically medication administration. A new rule section is necessary to provide guidance regarding routes and supervision levels related to these tasks.
Additionally, the department is considering updating the medical assistant-certified training and certification requirements to expand the types of apprenticeship programs accepted to meet the training requirements. This would allow experienced medical assistants to more easily enter the Washington workforce. -
The Department of Health (department) is considering rule amendments to the medical assistant rule chapter to establish credentialing requirements for the medical assistant-emergency medical technician (MA-EMT) credential.
Substitute Senate Bill 5940 (SSB 5940) (PDF) passed in the 2024 legislative session and created the new MA-EMT credential for individuals holding a current EMT, advanced EMT, or paramedic credential. SSB 5940 allows an MA-EMT credential holder to work under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner in a hospital environment if the duties are within the scope, training, and endorsements of the new MA-EMT and underlying EMT, advanced EMT, or paramedic credential. The department must have rules in place before we can begin accepting applications for or issuing this new credential.
The medical assistant program filed a CR-101 with the Office of the Code Reviser on July 22, 2024 as WSR #24-15-100 (PDF) to begin rulemaking to implement SSB 5940. The department will consider creating new rule sections in chapter 246-827 WAC to establish requirements for credential applications, training and certification, and medication administration. WAC 246-827-990 Medical assistant—Fees and renewal cycle will also need to be updated to include the new MA-EMT credential fees.