PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Revise and update chapter 246-320 WAC, Hospital licensing rules (operational standards).
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapters 70.41 RCW and RCW 43.70.040.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department opened chapter 246-320 WAC in November 2005 (ref. WSR 05-23-096) in effort to reflect changes required by legislation, simplify language, and revise construction standards for licensed hospitals. During the rule development process affected parties persuaded the department to proceed with adopting the proposed construction standards, due to the potential cost-saving opportunities. The preproposal statement is a continuation of the original rule project and the previously stated goals related to operational standards only. Proposed hospital construction standards will be processed utilizing the original filed notice identified above.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
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 Allen Spaulding, Rules Coordinator, Facilities and Services Licensing, 310 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501-7852, e-mail al.spaulding@doh.wa.gov, (360) 236-2929.
August 21, 2007
Mary C. Selecky
Secretary