BILL REQ. #:  H-0611.4 

Read first time 01/26/11.   Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.

     AN ACT Relating to food and beverage service worker's permits; and adding a new section to chapter 69.06 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 69.06 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The food and beverage service worker's permit required pursuant to RCW 69.06.010 shall be issued upon successfully passing an examination from a program provider. The program provider must create and administer the training adhering to all applicable provisions in chapter 69.06 RCW.
     (2) Program providers must receive approval to create and administer a food handler program.
     (3) The department of health shall have sole responsibility to provide program approval to program providers, which includes approval of all food handler training program materials, such as instructional delivery methods and assessment tools based on criteria established in chapter 69.06 RCW.
     (4) In order for the department of health to designate a program provider, the individual or organization must:
     (a) Demonstrate that they have sufficient experience in food safety, food science, or food service; and
     (b) Be knowledgeable in all areas of the food handler training curriculum.
     (5) Program providers must also:
     (a) Have the ability to provide training and an assessment;
     (b) Have the ability to safeguard the training and assessment materials;
     (c) Offer the training and assessment materials in multiple languages; and
     (d) Ensure that a knowledgeable person is available to answer questions about the assessment and program content. It is not necessary that the knowledgeable person be present at all times to answer questions.
     (6) The state board of health may adopt rules necessary to implement this section.
     (7) This section does not preclude county health departments from operating food and beverage service worker's permit programs.
     (8) For purposes of this section, "program provider" means an individual or entity approved in food safety training by the state board of health.