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Lactation consultant licensing in Washington

Washington does not license lactation consultants, but since 1 January 2024 it operates a voluntary state certification. The title "state-certified lactation consultant" is protected; practising is not restricted.

What we found

• Created by SB 5470 (2023). Administered by the Department of Health.
• Certification requires board certification from an approved national or international certifying body, passage of a state-approved examination, and at least 300 hours of clinical practice.
• ⚠ It is VOLUNTARY. The Act states the certification "does not prohibit an individual who holds a credential issued by Washington State to engage in the practice of lactation consultation without obtaining a lactation consultant credential if it is within that profession's scope of practice."
• What is protected is the title: from 1 January 2024 nobody may call themselves a "state-certified lactation consultant" without holding it.
• The Health Care Authority was required to ensure services of DOH-certified lactation consultants are covered under state Medicaid from 1 January 2025.

What this means if you are looking for help

In Washington, "state-certified lactation consultant" is a real, checkable credential — but plenty of good practitioners will not hold it, because it is optional. Treat it as a bonus signal rather than a filter, and check the IBCLC credential either way.

Can a lactation consultant bill Medicaid here?

Can bill directly · since 2025-01-01

State Medicaid was required to cover DOH-certified lactation consultants from 1 January 2025.

Sources