WSR 13-19-083

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed September 17, 2013, 3:16 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-853 WAC, Osteopathic medicine and surgery. Amendment or repeal of rules relating to: (1) The examination for licensure as an osteopathic physician; (2) delegation of the use of laser, light, radiofrequency, and plasma devices as applied to the skin; and (3) housekeeping purposes. Adoption of rules establishing a retired active status credential and imposing reentry requirements for licensed osteopathic physicians who have been out of practice for a certain period of time.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.57.005.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The board of osteopathic medicine and surgery (board) is considering updating its rules to meet the current standard of practice and make them more equivalent to allopathic physicians. The board also is considering updating the list of examinations available; reducing barriers for delegation of laser, light, radio frequency and plasma devices; establishing requirements for a retired active status credential and requirements for reentry to practice; and general housekeeping changes.

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 board of osteopathic medicine and surgery listserv at http://listserv.wa.gov/. Please address questions and/or comments to Brett Cain, Program Manager, Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4766, fax (360) 236-2901, e-mail brett.cain@doh.wa.gov.

September 17, 2013

Blake T. Maresh

Executive Director