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

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: A rule would provide the Department of Health and the Board of Hearing and Speech with direction in the adjudication and processing of applications for hearing instrument fitter/dispensing licensing in which the applicant is requesting the apprenticeship training requirements be waived.

Process for Developing New Rule: The board and program will work closely with the profession and consumer groups in developing rules. A public work group was held to provide an opportunity for public input. The board promoted participation from the professional associations for hearing instrument fitter/dispensers and audiologists. Further input has been requested from members of the public who attended the public work groups. 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 S.E., P.O. Box 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869, phone (360) 753-1817, fax (360) 586-7840.

July 8, 1998

Delores E. Spice

Executive Director