Original Notice.

     Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).

     Title of Rule: WAC 246-850-990 Orthotic and prosthetic fees.

     Purpose: WAC 246-850-990 sets orthotic and prosthetic fees. The proposed amendment would reduce fees for licensed orthotists and prosthetists.

     Other Identifying Information: RCW 43.70.250 requires fee supported programs to be fully supported by licensees.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.70.250, 18.200.050(1).

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 43.70.250.

     Summary: Reduce fees for orthotic and prosthetic application, orthotic and prosthetic renewal, late renewal penalty fee, expired credential reissuance fee, inactive credential renewal fee, late inactive renewal fee, retired active credential renewal fee and late retired active credential renewal fee.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: Revenue from orthotic and prosthetic fees exceed expenditures.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Judy Haenke, P.O. Box 47870, Olympia, WA 98504-7870, (360) 236-4947.

     Name of Proponent: Department of Health, governmental.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: WAC 246-850-990 sets the fees for obtaining and maintaining orthotics and prosthetics licensure. The proposal reduces fees for orthotic and prosthetic application, orthotic and prosthetic renewal, late renewal penalty fee, expired credential reissuance fee, inactive credential renewal fee, late inactive renewal fee, retired active credential renewal fee and late retired active credential renewal fee. Reducing fee will bring revenue in balance with expenditures of the program. The reduction in fees will assure that revenues do not exceed the funding levels necessary to support the program.

     Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: The proposal reduces licensure and renewal fees for orthotic and prosthetic practitioners.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. RCW 19.85.025 exempts from the small business economic impact statement (SBEIS), rules described under RCW 34.05.310(4). An SBEIS is not required for this proposal under RCW 34.05.310 (4)(f) because it sets or adjusts fees pursuant to legislative standards.

     RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(vi) exempts rules that set or adjust fees pursuant to legislative standards. For this reason, the department has not completed a significant rules analysis.

     Hearing Location: Department of Health, 310 Israel Road, Room 211, Tumwater, WA 98501, on September 24, 2003, at 10:00 a.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Judy Haenke by September 19, 2003, TDD 1-800-833-6388 or (360) 236-4052.

     Submit Written Comments to: Judy Haenke, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47870, Olympia, WA 98504-7870, (360) 236-4947, fax (360) 586-4359, by September 19, 2003.

     Date of Intended Adoption: September 24, 2003.

Mary C. Selecky

Secretary

OTS-6449.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-21-086, filed 10/21/98, effective 11/21/98)

WAC 246-850-990   Orthotic and prosthetic fees.   (1) Licenses must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2.

     (2) The following nonrefundable fees will be charged:

Title of Fee	Fee
Orthotic application	$((600.00)) 250.00
Prosthetic application	((600.00)) 250.00
Orthotic renewal	((575.00)) 150.00
Prosthetic renewal	((575.00)) 150.00
Late renewal penalty fee	((287.50)) 75.00
Expired credential reissuance fee	((287.50)) 75.00
Inactive credential renewal fee	((350.00)) 125.00
Late inactive renewal fee	((175.00)) 62.50
Retired active credential renewal fee	((350.00)) 125.00
Late retired active credential renewal fee	((175.00)) 62.50
Duplicate credential or wall certificate	15.00
Certification	25.00

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.200.050(1). 98-21-086, § 246-850-990, filed 10/21/98, effective 11/21/98.]

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office