WSR 13-16-030 PROPOSED RULES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH [Filed July 29, 2013, 2:33 p.m.]
Original Notice.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Amending WAC 246-822-990, 246-828-990, and 246-847-990, the proposed rules implement ESB 5206 by adding an annual surcharge to credentialing fees for dieticians and nutritionists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and speech language pathologists. The surcharge supports the University of Washington (UW) Health Resources for Washington online resource library, also known as HEAL-WA.
Hearing Location(s): Department of Health, Point Plaza East, Rooms 152/153, 310 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, on September 12, 2013, at 1:00 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: October 1, 2013.
Submit Written Comments to: Lisa Hodgson, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47850, Olympia, WA 98504-7850, e-mail http://www3.doh.wa.gov/policyreview/, fax (360) 236-4626, by September 12, 2013.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Susan Chamberland by September 5, 2013, TTY (800) 833-6388 or 711.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: ESB 5206 amends RCW 43.70.110 (3)(c), adding five practitioner types that must pay an annual credential surcharge to access the HEAL-WA online resource library: Dieticians and nutritionists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, speech language pathologists, and licensed practical nurses. HEAL-WA fees for licensed practical nurses will be covered in a separate proposal revising other nursing credential fees.
The HEAL-WA library gives health care practitioners access to online clinical resources, journals, decision support tools, research and other evidence-based materials at a lower cost than would be available to practitioners subscribing to these resources individually.
Under the proposed rules, practitioners in the professions added by ESB 5206 with a one-year licensing cycle will have a $16 annual HEAL-WA surcharge added to their initial credential fee (for new applicants) and to each renewal. Professions with a two-year licensing cycle will have a $32 surcharge ($16 per year) added to their initial credentialing fee and to each renewal thereafter.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The department is directed to add a surcharge annually on credentialing fees of practitioners in each of the professions listed in RCW 43.70.110 (3)(c) to support the HEAL-WA online library. The proposed rules would implement ESB 5206 by adding an annual $16 HEAL-WA surcharge to credential fees for dieticians and nutritionists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and speech language pathologists. Surcharge revenue collected is transferred to the UW. All credentialed members of these professions would be able to access the HEAL-WA resource library.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.70.280.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 43.70.110 as amended by ESB 5206 (chapter 249, Laws of 2013).
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Department of health, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Andy Fernando, 111 Israel Road, Tumwater, WA 98501, (360) 236-4692; Implementation and Enforcement: Lisa Hodgson, 111 Israel Road, Tumwater, WA 98501, (360) 236-2927.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Under RCW 19.85.025 and 34.05.310 (4)(b), a small business economic impact statement is not required for proposed rules that set fees or rates pursuant to legislative standards.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The agency did not complete a cost-benefit analysis under RCW 34.05.328. RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(vi) exempts rules that set or adjust fees or rates pursuant to legislative standards.
July 29, 2013
Jessica Todorovich
for John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH
Secretary
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 11-20-092, filed 10/4/11, effective 12/1/11)
WAC 246-822-990 Dietitian and nutritionist fees and renewal cycle.
(1) Certificates must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2. (2) The following nonrefundable fees will be charged:
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 11-20-092, filed 10/4/11, effective 12/1/11)
WAC 246-828-990 Hearing instrument fitter/dispenser, audiologist, speech language pathologist, and speech language pathology assistant fees and renewal cycle.
(1) Credentials must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2. (2) Practitioners must pay the following nonrefundable fees:
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 11-20-092, filed 10/4/11, effective 12/1/11)
WAC 246-847-990 Occupational therapy fees and renewal cycle.
(1) Licenses must be renewed every two years on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2. (2) The following nonrefundable fees will be charged for occupational therapist:
(3) The following nonrefundable fees will be charged for occupational therapy assistant:
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