PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
(Board of Physical Therapy)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-915 WAC, amending the chapter to consider the use of telehealth in the practice of physical therapy.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.74.023 and 18.74.025.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The board has authority to set the standard of care of the practice of physical therapy, which includes setting the conditions that may allow the use of telehealth. Technology is changing the way many health professionals practice health care. The board would like to evaluate the use telehealth in the practice of physical therapy. If the board determines telehealth is appropriate in the practice of physical therapy, rules may be necessary to establish requirements.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None known.
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. To receive information on the rules and rule-writing meetings, contact Kris Waidely, Department of Health, Board of Physical Therapy, P.O. Box 47867, Olympia, WA 98504-7867, phone (360) 236-4847, fax (360) 236-2901, e-mail kris.waidely@doh.wa.gov.
June 30, 2009
Kris Waidely
Program Manager