WSR 97-04-040
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(Board of Hearing and Speech)
[Filed January 31, 1997, 9:32 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 18.35 RCW (1996) expanded the training requirements for hearing instruments fitter/dispensers to include a six-month apprenticeship requirement. There are currently no guidelines in place for the required apprenticeship program. Therefore, rules must be developed to define the apprenticeship program. No persons applying for licensure after December 31, 1996, are eligible for licensure until completion of the apprenticeship program.
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: Rules are needed to provide direction for the required apprenticeship program. Individuals applying for licensure must complete an apprenticeship program established by the Board of Hearing and Speech. Rules defining the apprenticeship program will provide those individuals with the needed curriculum to complete for licensure.
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 speech-language pathologists; the University of Washington, Washington State University and Western Washington University; hospitals and clinics throughout the state and professional associations for 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.
January 7, 1997
Diane Young
Program Manager
Board of Hearing and Speech