Subject of Possible Rule Making: Trauma registry standards, WAC 246-976-420 Trauma registry -- Department responsibilities and 246-976-430 Trauma registry -- Provider responsibilities.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 70.168.060 Department duties -- Timelines, 70.168.090 Statewide data registry -- Quality assurance program -- Confidentiality.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The statewide trauma data registry was established to collect and analyze data on the incidence, severity and causes of trauma, including traumatic brain injury, and is used to improve the availability and delivery of prehospital and hospital trauma care services. The current registry rules, which include the data elements submitted to the Department of Health (DOH) by prehospital agencies and designated trauma acute and rehab services, became effective in January 2002. In order to collect the most relevant data and to improve the quality, quantity, efficiency and effectiveness of the trauma system, the trauma registry rules need to be reviewed and amended as appropriate.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other agencies regulate this subject.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Regulatory standards for the trauma registry already exist. DOH will meet with each regional trauma QI committee and other appropriate technical advisory committees to review the current standards and seek input on necessary changes to the existing rule.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Constituents and the public will be able to participate in the review and any necessary drafting of proposed language through open public meetings, mailings, e-mail, and/or posts to the DOH rules comment web site. Open public meetings will be available, and the final draft of the proposed rule language will be sent out to all affected and interested parties before the formal public hearing is held. Any questions regarding these rules should contact Tami Thompson, Rules Manager, Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System, P.O. Box 47853, Olympia, WA 98504-7853, e-mail tami.thompson@doh.wa.gov, phone (360) 236-2859 or fax (360) 236-2829.

December 28, 2005

B. White

for M. C. Selecky

Secretary