PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-836 WAC amending sections to change the regulatory authority to the board of naturopathy, update the scope of practice, and amend requirements for approving naturopathic medical education institutions.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 18.36A RCW as amended by HB 1181 (chapter 41, Laws of 2011) and SSB 5152 (chapter 40, Laws of 2011); RCW 18.36A.060 and 18.36A.100.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: HB 1181 (2011) created the board of naturopathy (board) and SSB 5152 (2011) modified portions of naturopathic scope of practice. Rules need to be amended to reflect this change. In addition, RCW 18.36A.100 directs the board to establish educational program standards in rule, which include on-site evaluations. The board is proposing amendments to existing rules to update education program standards and also accept accreditation from national organizations as meeting the approval standards. This will allow on-site evaluations by national organizations, thereby eliminating duplication and inefficiencies.
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 persons can participate in the rule process through meetings and by submitting written comments, and are encouraged to join the listserv, which can be accessed at http://listserv.wa.gov/cgi-bin/wa?A0=NATUROPATHY-PROGRAM.
Please address questions and/or comments to Susan Gragg, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4941, fax (360) 236-2901, e-mail susan.gragg@doh.wa.gov.
November 18, 2011
Susan Teil Boyer
Executive Director