Subject of Possible Rule Making: Establish a process and standards for providing funding for dental residency programs established pursuant to SHB 1689 (2005). Chapter 182-20 WAC will be amended to implement the new dental residency program funding application process and standards, effective July 2006.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.220.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The 2005 legislature created a new dental residency program and appropriated funds in the 2005-07 biennium to HCA for start-up and operating costs for one clinic to establish a program. The community health services (CHS) program will allocate funds to a clinic to implement the legislative initiative. The proposed rules will establish requirements to apply for the dental residency program funding and protocols for stipends for dental residents, and will provide a mechanism for distribution of funds to the clinic(s) that is/are approved for funding.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Department of Health -- Dental Residency Work Group, lead by CHS, will continue to meet on a quarterly basis; and the University of Washington - networks with contracted clinics and DOH for adherence to curriculum and licensures.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Stakeholder mailing and public hearing.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Dolores Reyes-Gonzalez, Executive Director of Community Health Services, P.O. Box 42721, Olympia, WA 98504-2721, phone (360) 923-2781, fax (360) 923-2605.

November 29, 2005

Pete Culter

Rules Coordinator