PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-16 WAC, Standards of professional conduct, adding sections relating to sanctions for unprofessional conduct.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Section 12, chapter 134, Laws of 2008 (section 12 of 4SHB 1103).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Section 12, chapter 134, Laws of 2008 (section 12 of 4SHB 1103) requires the secretary of the department of health to adopt rules for a uniform sanctioning schedule. The schedule must be consistent with a schedule that representatives of the health professions boards and commissions develop. These rules will fulfill the legislative mandate. They will provide consistent, enforceable standards for sanctions that all disciplining authorities will impose for unprofessional conduct by credentialed health care practitioners.
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.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Representatives of the boards and commissions will develop recommendations and a proposed sanctions schedule as required by the legislation. Other stakeholders will be notified how they can provide comments. Stakeholders may join an interested persons list for e-mail notification of items related to this rule making by providing their contact information to sanctionguidelinerules@doh.wa.gov. They can also contact Margaret Gilbert at Department of Health, P.O. Box 47873, Olympia, WA 98504-7873 or (360) 236-4913.
June 26, 2008
Mary C. Selecky
Secretary