PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-560-010 Definitions rural health system project.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 70.175 RCW, Rural health system project and chapter 70.185 RCW, Rural and underserved areas -- Health care professional recruitment and retention.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering revisions to the current rules, which have not been updated since 1999. Some definitions are based on population, which has changed. Definition of "metropolitan statistical area" (MSA) is limited to the 1997 Washington Data Book; this reference needs to be updated. The use of MSAs to determine if a region is rural may not be the most effective method. This needs to be examined. Changes in the rule will allow more efficient and effective use of state dollars for the health systems resources grants, and possibly other programs, due to shifting population centers.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The higher education coordinating board is impacted by this rule. We will bring representation from that board into discussions about changes to the rule.
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 by contacting John Hanson, HSR Program Manager, P.O. Box 47834, Olympia, WA 98104-7834 [98504-7834], phone (360) 236-2819, fax (360) 664-9273, e-mail john.hanson@doh.wa.gov.
August 21, 2007
Mary C. Selecky
Secretary