PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
(Occupational Therapy)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-847-XXX Sexual misconduct.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.59.130 and 18.130.180(24).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rules on this subject may provide additional protection to the public from unethical practitioners who inappropriately use their position to foster an unprofessional, sexual relationship with patients. While the Occupational Therapy Practice Board currently has a policy regarding sexual misconduct, this policy must be placed in rule so the board can take action against unethical practitioners.
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, Jennifer Bressi, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47868, Olympia, WA 98504-7868, (360) 236-4806, fax (360) 664-9077.
April 14, 2004
Jennifer Bressi
Program Manager