Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-915-040 Licensure by endorsement -- Applicants from approved schools.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.74.023.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule is required for housekeeping purposes. The current rule has not been updated in at least ten years. Currently, if a licensee has not worked in physical therapy in the last two years they may be granted licensure by endorsement under certain conditions. The proposed rule changes the length of time a physical therapist has not worked from two to three years. The three-year term is consistent with the language outlined in chapter 246-12 WAC, Administrative procedures and requirements for credentialed health care providers. The rule also changes "continuing education" to "continuing competency." This language is consistent with current language outlined in WAC 246-915-085 Continuing competency.

     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.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Department of Health, Kris Waidely, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47868, Olympia, WA 98504-7868, (360) 236-4847, (360) 664-9077.

February 13, 2004

Kris Waidely

Program Manager