Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-933-XXX Expired license, the veterinary board of governors (board) will evaluate the requirements to reinstate an expired veterinary license. The board will consider whether the requirements are sufficient to protect animal patients or if rules are needed to ensure that veterinarians with an expired credential possess the current skills and knowledge to safely treat patients.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.92.030 and 18.130.050.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: A Washington state veterinarian whose license is expired only needs to pay a fee and attest to completion of minimal continuing education in order to reactivate the license and practice. The board is concerned about patient safety due to the potential for a lack of current skills and knowledge when a veterinarian decides to practice after the license has been expired.

     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 Judy Haenke, Department of Health, Veterinary Board of Governors, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, e-mail judy.haenke@doh.wa.gov, phone (360) 236-4947 and fax (360) 236-2901.

     Stakeholders will be notified and invited to participate in an open public rules workshop and may submit written comments for consideration. Stakeholders will be notified through listserv, board meetings, and posting to the web site.

June 28, 2012

Lisa Hodgson

Executive Director

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