WA State PSAP Requirements

Washington State RCW 38.60 and 38.52 dictate 911 call center (Public Safety Answering Point - PSAP) requirements, focusing on mandatory certification for telecommunicators, statewide emergency communication accessibility, and technical standards for Next Generation 911 (NG911). Key requirements include mandatory training, system funding, and location identification accuracy.

Key RCW & WAC Requirements for 911 Centers

Mandatory Certification (RCW 38.60): As of January 2025, all public safety telecommunicators working in primary PSAPs must be certified through the state's voluntary (now mandatory) certification board. They must complete training covering call-taking, dispatch, and emergency instructions.
System Standards (RCW 38.52.010, 38.52.505): 911 systems must provide Automatic Location Identification (ALI) and Automatic Number Identification (ANI) to locate callers instantly.
Next Generation 911 (NG911): Systems must be capable of processing voice and data, including text-to-911 and future technology, as established by RCW 38.52.010 and related WAC 118-67.

Funding and Operation (RCW 38.52.510): Counties must provide or participate in a countywide 911 system, ensuring 911 is available statewide.
TTY/Text Access (WAC 118-67-110): PSAPs must maintain capability to receive calls from individuals with speech or hearing disabilities using text telephone devices (TTY) or real-time text (RTT).
Performance Metrics (WAC 118-66): Defines requirements for state 911 account expenditures and sets standards for GIS data, mapping, and MIS reports to maintain PSAP efficiency.

For detailed operational guidelines, Chapter 118-66 WAC and Chapter 118-67 WAC provide the regulations for state 911 account use and telecommunication standards.