WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSED RULES
The original proposal was intended to reduce many regulatory requirements prohibiting the establishment of heart surgery and interventional cardiology programs and to increase access to those services while maintaining high quality programs. Since the filing of WSR 04-24-017, the American College on Cardiology has not published new guidelines and the science regarding interventional cardiology is still evolving. Additionally, during the 2005 legislative session, the legislature passed E2SHB 1688, which requires a study of the certificate of need approach used in Washington. While the study will not specifically review these proposed rules, the outcome of the study will likely impact the future of Washington's certificate of need program. For these reasons, the department is withdrawing the CR-102 for WAC 246-310-261 and 246-310-262.
Individuals seeking information on this rule should contact Gary Bennett, Director, Facilities and Services Licensing, at (360) 236-2900.
M. C. Selecky
Secretary