PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 98-16-062.
Title of Rule: Requirements for apprenticeship training waiver.
Purpose: To provide the Department of Health and the Board of Hearing and Speech with direction in the adjudication and processing of applications for hearing instrument fitting/dispensing licensing in which the applicant is requesting that the apprenticeship training requirement be waived.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.35.161(3).
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 18.35.040.
Summary: Applicants for hearing instrument fitter/dispenser licensure must have at least six months of apprenticeship training that meets the requirements established by the Board of Hearing and Speech. The board may waive all or part of the apprenticeship training in recognition of formal education in fitting and dispensing hearing instruments or in recognition of previous licensure in Washington or in another state, territory or the District of Columbia.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: A clear and consistent process for adjudicating requests for waiver of the apprenticeship requirement is necessary to allow fair and timely review of all applications.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Department of Health, Board of Hearing and Speech, 1300 Quince Street, Olympia, WA, (360) 236-4916.
Name of Proponent: Self Help for the Hard of Hearing, private and public.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: RCW 18.35.040 (1)(b) allows the Board of Hearing and Speech to waive the required apprenticeship training for hearing instrument fitter/dispensers in recognition of formal education in fitting and dispensing hearing instruments or in recognition of previous licensure in Washington or in another state, territory or the District of Columbia. The rule establishes an adjudication process for applications in which the applicant is requesting waiver of the required apprenticeship training.
Proposal does not change existing rules.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. There is no disproportionate effect on small and large entities.
RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. The rule does not subject a person to a penalty or sanction; does not establish, alter or revoke a qualification or standard for licensure; and does not make significant amendments to a policy or regulatory program. This rule identifies the process for reviewing request for waiver of the apprenticeship training as required by RCW 18.35.040 (1)(b).
Hearing Location: Yakima Valley Community College, 16th Avenue and Nob Hill Boulevard, Yakima, Washington, on August 13, 1999, at 9:00 a.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Betty Bird by July 23, 1999, TDD 1-800-525-0127, or (360) 236-4916.
Submit Written Comments to: Diane Young, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869, fax (360) 236-4918, by August 13, 1999.
Date of Intended Adoption: August 13, 1999.
March 23, 1999
Sheila Winkler, Chair
Board of Hearing and Speech
OTS-2806.1
NEW SECTION
WAC 246-828-061
Requirements for apprenticeship training waiver.
Requests to the board to waive all or part of the required apprenticeship training "in recognition of formal education in fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments or in recognition of previous licensure in Washington or in another state, territory or the District of Columbia" as defined in RCW 18.35.040 (1)(b) will be reviewed as follows:
(1) The board may waive part or all of the apprenticeship training in recognition of formal education in hearing instrument technology that is a certificate program at least six months in duration and is governed under the Washington state board of community and technical colleges or the equivalent agency in another state, territory, or the District of Columbia. The program must include instruction in all subject areas listed in WAC 246-828-070(2).
(2) The board may waive part or all of the apprenticeship training in recognition of:
(a) Current licensure or certification in Washington or in another state, territory, or the District of Columbia for a minimum of two years in good standing; or
(b) Previous licensure or certification, in good standing that has not been inactive for more than five years.
(3) Applicants requesting that the apprenticeship training requirement be waived that do not meet the criteria of subsection (1) or (2) of this section will be denied.
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