Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-828 WAC, Hearing and speech, amending the chapter to add the requirements, including the fees, for the new speech and language pathology assistant profession and for general housekeeping changes.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.35.161 and ESSB 5601 (chapter 301, Laws of 2009).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: ESSB 5601 (chapter 301, Laws of 2009) established a certification for speech-language pathology assistants. The legislation requires the board to develop rules to outline the procedures or tasks allowable under direct and indirect supervision. The legislation directs the board to approve education programs and develop rules for the grandfathering requirements.

     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. Interested parties can participate in the rule-making process by providing comments on proposed language and/or attending a rules workshop. Notices will be sent to interested parties through Listserv and e-mail. Send written comments to Janette Benham, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47867, Olympia, WA 98504-7867, (360) 236-4857, fax (360) 236-2901, or e-mail janette.benham@doh.wa.gov.

July 15, 2009

Janette Benham

Program Manager

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