WSR 98-22-087

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed November 3, 1998, 1:00 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Standards for minimally competent child custody evaluations performed by licensed psychologists. This effort includes educational prerequisites.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.83.050(1) Examining board--Powers and duties, RCW 18.83.121(4) Unprofessional conduct.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The Examining Board of Psychology receives a large number of complaints relating to child custody evaluations and perceives a need to adopt standards in this area. Such standards would ensure that the public is protected from untrained or incompetent practice.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making. Develop in consultation with stakeholders through public meetings, telephone, and correspondence.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Janice K. Boden, Department of Health, Examining Board of Psychology, P.O. Box 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869, phone (360) 753-3095, fax (360) 664-9484.

September 16, 1998

Janice K. Boden

Program Manager