TUMWATER, WA — The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has filed a preproposal statement of inquiry (CR-101) to begin updating state regulations that would allow 16-year-old students to enroll in emergency medical responder (EMR) and emergency medical technician (EMT) training courses.

The proposed rulemaking follows House Bill 1722, passed during the 2025 legislative session, which authorizes younger students to begin initial emergency medical services (EMS) education under supervision. The DOH’s Office of Community Health Systems filed the notice on October 7, 2025, opening Washington Administrative Code (WAC) sections 246-976-022 and 246-976-041 for potential amendment. These sections outline EMS training program requirements, approval processes, and application procedures.

The initiative aims to expand access to EMS education at the high school level, preparing students for future careers in emergency medical services while addressing workforce shortages across Washington.

A virtual public kick-off meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The Department encourages stakeholders, educators, and EMS professionals to attend and provide feedback. Meeting access details are available on the Washington State Department of Health’s Rules Development page.

Questions and comments regarding the rulemaking process may be directed to hsqa.ems@doh.wa.gov.