Rulemaking is a process for developing and issuing DBH rules. The process can lead to the issuance of a new rule, an amendment to an existing rule, or the repeal of an existing rule. Pursuant to the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act (DCAPA), the Department publishes a notice that explains a proposed rule and asks for public comments. The public has a set amount of time, typically thirty (30) days, to submit written comments. DBH considers all comments and may decide to change the proposed rule based on the feedback.
- Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Provides the public advance notice and an opportunity to comment on new regulations, changes to existing regulations, and the repeal of existing regulations before those regulations are adopted, amended, or repealed.
- Notice of Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking: Rules adopted on an emergency basis and remain in effect for one-hundred and twenty (120) calendar days after the date of adoption.
- Notice of Final Rulemaking: The permanent adoption of a regulation following the publication of either a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking or a Notice of Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking.
All DBH Notices of Proposed, Emergency, and Final Rulemaking can be viewed on the DC Register.
Recent Final Rulemaking
| Title/Topic | Subtitle A (Mental Health) of Title 22 (Health) of the DCMR: Chapter(s) | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Criteria for Community Support | Chapter 34 | May 22, 2026 |
| Community Support Services | Chapter 34 | December 19, 2025 |
| Opioid Treatment Programs | Chapter 34; Chapter 39; Chapter 63; and Chapter 80 | August 1, 2025 |
| Assertive Community Treatment Reimbursement Methodology | Chapter 34 | March 14, 2025 |
| Intensive Care Coordination | Chapter 30; Chapter 34; Chapter 57; Chapter 63; Chapter 65; and Chapter 80 | November 27, 2024 |
| Assertive Community Treatment | Chapter 34 and Chapter 37 | December 29, 2023 |
| National Accreditation Requirement and New Behavioral Health Services | Chapter 30; Chapter 34; Chapter 52; Chapter 63; Chapter 65; Chapter 80 | March 10, 2023 |
| National Provider Identification Number Requirements | Chapter 30; Chapter 34; Chapter 37; Chapter 63; Chapter 64; Chapter 65; and Chapter 80 | November 4, 2022 |
| Supported Employment | Chapter 37 | September 30, 2022 |