WSR 13-19-082 PROPOSED RULES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH [Filed September 17, 2013, 3:13 p.m.]
Original Notice.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-809-990 Licensed counselor and associate—Fees and renewal cycle, 246-824-990 Dispensing optician fees and renewal cycle, and 246-840-990 Fees and renewal cycle for registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN). Amending rules to add retired active license renewal fees and retired active license renewal late fees to these professions pursuant to 2012 and 2013 legislation. Reducing LPN application fees and license renewal fees and adding a HEAL-WA fee for LPNs. Repealing outdated fiscal requirements for dispensing opticians.
Hearing Location(s): Department of Health, TC2 Building, Conference Room 145, 111 Israel Road S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, on October 22, 2013, at 11:00 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: October 23, 2013.
Submit Written Comments to: Maura Craig, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47850, 111 Israel Road S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7850, e-mail http://www3.doh.wa.gov/policyreview/, fax (360) 236-4626, by October 22, 2013.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Maura Craig by October 18, 2013, TTY (800) 833-6388 or 711.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposal establishes retired active license renewal fees and retired active license renewal late fees for licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed advanced social workers, licensed independent clinical social workers, RNs, LPNs, and dispensing opticians per statutory requirements. In addition, the proposal responds to ESB 5206 (chapter 249, Laws of 2013) that adds LPNs as a profession that must pay an annual credential surcharge to access the University of Washington's Health Sciences Online Library (HEAL-WA). Repeal of outdated fees-renewal cycle requirements for dispensing opticians is also proposed. Finally, LPN application fees are reduced and license renewal fees are reduced to offset required HEAL-WA fees for LPNs.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: These professions have been statutorily authorized to add retired active license renewal fees and retired active late fees. The department of health is also directed to add a surcharge annually to credentialing fees of practitioners in each of the professions listed in RCW 43.70.110 (3)(c) to support the HEAL-WA health sciences online library, including LPNs. Repeal of outdated fee-renewal cycle requirements is proposed for dispensing opticians. LPN application fees are reduced to be consistent with RN application fees and renewal fees are reduced to offset the mandatory HEAL-WA fees for LPNs.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.130.250, 18.225.170, 43.70.110 and [43.70.]280, 3ESSB 5034 (2013).
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 18.130.250, 18.225.170, 43.70.110 and [43.70.]280, 3ESSB 5034 (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, Implementation and Enforcement: Maura Craig, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98504, (360) 236-4997.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Under RCW 19.85.025 and 34.05.310 (4)(f), a small business economic impact statement is not required for proposed rules that set or adjust 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.
September 17, 2013
John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH
Secretary
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 12-19-088, filed 9/18/12, effective 11/1/12)
WAC 246-809-990 Licensed counselor, and associate—Fees and renewal cycle.
(1) Licenses must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2. (2) Associate licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed every year on the date of issuance. The associate license may be renewed no more than four times.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 05-12-012, filed 5/20/05, effective 7/1/05)
WAC 246-824-990 Dispensing optician fees and renewal cycle.
(1) Licenses must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2. ((The secretary may require payment of renewal fees less than those established in this section if the current level of fees is likely to result in a surplus of funds. Surplus funds are those in excess of the amount necessary to pay for the costs of administering the program and to maintain a reasonable reserve. Notice of any adjustment in the required payment will be provided to practitioners. The adjustment in the required payment shall remain in place for the duration of a renewal cycle to assure practitioners an equal benefit from the adjustment.)) (2) The following nonrefundable fees will be charged:
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 12-19-088, filed 9/18/12, effective 11/1/12)
WAC 246-840-990 Fees and renewal cycle.
(1) Applicants for a practical nurse license must pay the application fee and the nursing center surcharge fee when applying for a license. Licenses for practical nurse must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2. Practical nurses must pay the renewal fee and the nursing center surcharge fee when renewing licenses. (2) Applicants for a registered nurse license must pay the application fee, the RN UW online access fee (HEAL-WA), and the nursing center surcharge fee when applying for a license. Licenses for registered nurse must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2. Registered nurses must pay the renewal fee, the HEAL-WA fee, and the nursing center surcharge fee when renewing licenses. (3) Licenses for advanced registered nurse must be renewed every two years on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2. (4) Registrations for nursing technicians must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2. The renewal must be accompanied by an attestation as described in RCW 18.79.370. This attestation will include the nursing technician's anticipated graduation date. If the anticipated graduation date is within one year, the registration will expire thirty days after the anticipated graduation date. The expiration date may be extended to sixty days after graduation if the nursing technician can show good cause as defined in WAC 246-840-010(15). (5) The following nonrefundable fees shall be charged by the health professions quality assurance division of the department of health. Persons who hold an RN and an LPN license shall be charged separate fees for each license. Persons who are licensed as an advanced registered nurse practitioner in more than one specialty will be charged a fee for each specialty: RN/LPN fees:
Advanced registered nurse fees:
Nurse technologist fees:
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