Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-840 WAC, proposing to add new sections to establish a retired active license status for nurses.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.130.250 and 18.79.110.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The nursing commission is considering creating a retired active status credential for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). This will allow retired nurses to continue providing care in emergent or intermittent circumstances at a reduced renewal fee. The nursing commission is considering establishing requirements for credential criteria, including active practice and continuing education hours, and defining intermittent and emergent. The department of health shall initiate rules to establish the fee in a separate rule making. The 2012 Supplemental Budget Act 4ESHB 2127, section 219(3) authorizes a lower cost fee category for retired RNs and LPNs.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None identified.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule writing.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Interested parties may sign up for notices on the nursing commission's listserv at http://listserv.wa.gov/cgi-bin/wa?A0=NURSING-QAC or contact Department of Health, Nursing Commission, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504, or nursing@doh.wa.gov or (360) 236-4712. Public rules writing workshops will be held for public comment. Dates are available on the web site at www.nursing.doh.wa.gov.

September 24, 2012

Paula R. Meyer, MSN, RN

Executive Director