WSR 97-08-024

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Board of Hearing and Speech)

[Filed March 26, 1997, 9:43 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 18.35 RCW (1996) was expanded to include the certification of audiologists and speech-language pathologists. The legislature implemented education requirements for individuals applying for certification. Applicants are required to have a degree from a board-approved institution of higher learning, which includes completion of a supervised clinical practicum experience as defined by rules adopted by the board.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.35.040 (2)(b) and 18.35.161.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rules are needed to provide definition of education requirements for certification. Individuals applying for certification must have a degree from a board-approved institution and complete clinical practicum experience defined by the board. Rules providing definitions for these institutions and the practicum will clarify the requirements necessary for certification.

Process for Developing New Rule: The program will work closely with the profession in developing rules. Two public meetings were held to provide an opportunity for public input. The meetings were held in Tacoma and Spokane. The program promoted participation from state-wide school districts who employ audiologists and speech-language pathologists; the University of Washington, Washington State University and Western Washington University; hospitals and clinics throughout the state and professional associations for audiologists and speech-language pathologists. Further input has been requested from members of the public who attended the public meetings. From these efforts draft language will be developed and shared for on-going direction from interested persons.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Diane Young, Program Manager, Board of Hearing and Speech, 1300 Quince Street, P.O. Box 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869, (360) 753-1817, (360) 586-0205, FAX (360) 586-7774.

March 10, 1997

Diane Young, Program Manager

Board of Hearing and Speech

Legislature Code Reviser

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