Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-918-XXX Use of laser, light, radiofrequency, and plasma devices for physician assistants (medical quality assurance commission).

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.71A.020 and 18.130.050(12).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In January 2005, the medical quality assurance commission (commission) filed a CR-101 to begin the rule-making process on the use of lasers for both the physician and physician assistants. As the commission developed the concept, the commission found that separate rules were needed for physicians and physicians assistants. This CR-101 for physician assistants will accompany the existing CR-101 for physicians. Through public comments the commission determined not to group all devices as "lasers," but to specifically identify each class of device and changed the title from "use of lasers" to "use of lasers, light, radiofrequency, and plasma devices."

     Process for Developing New Rule: The commission conducted public workshops and sent drafts to interested persons. The University of Washington's MEDEX program director assisted in developing rule language. There will be continued involvement and notifications sent through ListServ.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Beverly A. Thomas, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47866, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 236-4788, fax (360) 236-4768, e-mail beverly.thomas@doh.wa.gov.

March 6, 2006

Blake T. Maresh

Executive Director

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