Washington Administrative Code Title 246 - Health, Department of
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 246 – Department of Health
WAC Title 246 contains the rules and regulations adopted by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). This title covers a wide range of topics related to public health, healthcare providers, medical facilities, disease control, health professions licensing, environmental health, and emergency preparedness.
🏥 Major Areas Covered Under WAC Title 246
1. Health Professions Licensing and Regulation
Chapters 246-12 to 246-980 cover licensing standards for dozens of health professions:
Physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, chiropractors
Behavioral health providers, massage therapists, acupuncturists, etc.
Rules address:
Credentialing, continuing education
Disciplinary processes
Scope of practice
2. Communicable Disease Control
Chapter 246-100 WAC
Requirements for reporting notifiable conditions (e.g., COVID-19, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS)
Isolation and quarantine procedures
Immunization requirements
3. Environmental Public Health
Chapters 246-200 to 246-290
Drinking water system standards (e.g., 246-290)
Food safety rules and retail food code
On-site sewage (septic) systems
Solid waste and biomedical waste management
4. Hospitals and Health Facilities
Chapters 246-320 (Hospitals), 246-335 (Home health, hospice), 246-337 (Behavioral health agencies)
Licensing, construction, operation standards
Patient rights and care standards
5. Vital Records and Health Statistics
Chapter 246-490
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records
Procedures for correcting records
6. Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Chapter 246-976
Certification and training of EMS personnel
Ambulance licensing
Trauma care systems
7. Health Equity and Access
Guidelines related to language access, culturally appropriate care, and nondiscrimination.
⚠️ Important Functions of WAC Title 246
Protect public health
Regulate health professions and facilities
Control communicable diseases
Ensure safe water, food, and environments
Maintain vital records and reporting systems
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