WSR 16-01-146 PROPOSED RULES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH [Filed December 21, 2015, 11:26 a.m.]
Original Notice.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-828-990 Hearing aid specialist, audiologist, speech-language pathologist, and speech-language pathology assistant fees and renewal cycle. Proposing to reduce application fees, active license renewal fees, and active license late renewal penalties for these professions.
Hearing Location(s): Department of Health, 111 Israel Road S.E., Room 158, Tumwater, WA 98501, on February 8, 2016, at 1:00 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: February 15, 2016.
Submit Written Comments to: Sherry Thomas, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47850, Olympia, WA 98504-7850, e-mail http://www3.doh.wa.gov/policyreview/, fax (360) 236-4626, by February 8, 2016.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Sherry Thomas by January 25, 2016, TTY (800) 833-6388 or 711.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Current licensing fees generate more revenue than is needed to cover the full cost of administering these licensing programs. In response, the department is proposing to reduce some fees. In addition, the department is proposing clarifications and formatting changes to make it easier for licensees to identify the fees they will be required to pay.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: RCW 43.70.250 requires the cost of each licensing program to be fully borne by the profession's members and licensing fees to be based on licensure costs. Reducing fees to the proposed levels will more closely align revenue with the program's expenses and enable reserves to be maintained should unanticipated events occur, such as increased disciplinary costs.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.70.250.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 43.70.250.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Department of health, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Sherry Thomas, 111 Israel Road, Tumwater, WA 98501, (360) 236-4612; and Enforcement: Janette Benham, 111 Israel Road, Tumwater WA 98501, (360) 236-4857.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Under RCW 19.85.025 and 34.05.310 (4)(f), a small business economic impact statement is not required for proposed rules that set or adjust fees or rates pursuant to legislative standards.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(vi) exempts rules that set or adjust fees or rates pursuant to legislative standards.
December 17, 2015
John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH
Secretary
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 15-16-020, filed 7/24/15, effective 8/24/15)
WAC 246-828-990 Hearing aid specialist, audiologist, speech-language pathologist, and speech-language pathology assistant fees and renewal cycle.
(1) Credentials must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2.
(2) Practitioners must pay the following nonrefundable fees:
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