Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 335, Laws of 1999 became effective July 25, 1999. This legislation establishes a new profession called surgical technologists under the secretary, Department of Health. This profession will be registered by the secretary. The rules will address application requirements, application appeal procedures, renewal cycle and all applicable fees.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 335, Laws of 1999.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The rules will address application requirements, application appeal procedures, renewal cycle and all applicable fees.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: The department will hold two open rules writing workshops to work with students, surgical technologists, schools and facilities who employ surgical technologists. Following the workshops a public rules hearing will be held to take additional input. All persons on the interested persons mailing list, schools and targeted facilities will be contacted to participate in this open public process.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kendra Pitzler, Program Manager, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 236-4723, fax (360) 236-4738.

August 13, 1999

M.C. Selecky

Secretary