PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Advanced registered nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants, amending WAC 296-14-400, 296-20-01002, 296-20-01501, 296-20-06101 and 296-23-240; and new sections WAC 296-20-01502 and 296-23-241.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: SHB 1691 (chapter 65, Laws of 2004) and SB 6356 (chapter 163, Laws of 2004).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In response to SHB 1691 (chapter 65, Laws of 2004) this rule making will lay out the expanded duties that an advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) can now perform under Title 51 RCW. In response to SB 6356 (chapter 163, Laws of 2004) this rule making will also define what a "simple industrial injury" is in order to explain when a physicians' assistant (PA) may have sole signature on the report of accident or physician's initial report.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Washington workers' compensation benefits as well as the benefits paid to victims of crimes are both governed by Title 51 RCW, Washington's Industrial Insurance Act. There are no other state or federal agencies responsible for interpreting and enforcing the provisions of this act.
Process for Developing New Rule: Parties interested in participating in the development of these rules may contact the person listed below. The public may also participate by providing written comments during the comment period or giving oral testimony at public hearings. The rule will be developed in consultation with major stakeholders and following interested parties: Workers' Compensation Advisory Committee, ARNP United, Washington State Medical Association (who represents the Physicians' Assistants).
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jami Lifka, Department of Labor and Industries, Office of the Medical Director, P.O. Box 44321, Olympia, WA 98504-4321, phone (360) 902-4941, or fax (360) 902-6315.
June 22, 2004
Paul Trause
Director