WSR 07-16-141

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH


(Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery)

[ Filed August 1, 2007, 10:25 a.m. ]

     Subject of Possible Rule Making: New sections to chapter 246-853 WAC, Osteopathic physicians and chapter 246-854 WAC, Osteopathic physician assistants. The board of osteopathic medicine and surgery (board) is creating rules on the administration of sedation and anesthesia in the offices of osteopathic physicians and osteopathic physician assistants. The rule making may include necessary training and equipment requirements, and supervisory requirements for osteopathic physician assistants to perform surgery in their offices.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.57.005, 18.57A.020, 18.130.050, ESHB 1414 (2007).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Currently there is no direct regulation of office-based surgery for osteopathic practitioners in Washington. ESHB 1414 (2007) permits the board to adopt rules governing the administration of sedation and anesthesia in the offices of osteopathic practitioners, including necessary training and equipment. Rules are needed to reduce the risk of substandard care, inappropriate anesthesia, infections, and serious complications by osteopathic practitioners when performing office-based surgeries. The rules will establish enforceable standards for the board to take action against osteopathic practitioners if unprofessional conduct occurs.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The board will be coordinating its rules development with the medical quality assurance commission, podiatric medical board, and nursing care quality assurance commission, to include nurse anesthestists (ARNP).

     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. Staff will coordinate workshops with medical and podiatry. The board will provide several opportunities at regular meetings to provide input directly to the board members. The board will notify interested parties and organizations that have expressed interest in this issue by Listserv or regular mail. Stakeholders may also submit written comments for consideration to Arlene Robertson, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47866, Olympia, WA 98504-7866, phone (360) 236-4945, fax (360) 236-2406, e-mail arlene.robertson@doh.wa.gov.

July 30, 2007

Maryella E. Jansen

Deputy Executive Director

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