PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-562 WAC, J-1 physician visa waiver regulations.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 70.185 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Changes in November 2002 to the federal law authorizing this program increased the number of available waivers per year. The increase in total waivers provides the department with an opportunity to look at the rule to address concerns expressed by constituent groups and solicit additional input on the subject of specialists.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: There are federal rules that regulate the J1 visa waiver program. This program works closely with the United States Department of State (DOS) and Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to ensure compliance with the federal regulations. DOS and INS will be included in all mailings.
Process for Developing New Rule: Program staff will use mailings, a round table discussion at the annual Northwest Regional Rural Health Conference in Spokane, and community work sessions to solicit input on any rule amendments.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jennell Prentice at the Office of Community and Rural Health, P.O. Box 47834, Olympia, WA 98504-7834, fax (360) 664-9273, e-mail J1rules@doh.wa.gov.
April 3, 2003
M. C. Selecky
Secretary