WSR 13-22-068

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed November 5, 2013, 11:04 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-840-202 through 246-840-207, nurse continuing competency (generally). Modify existing standards and create exemptions for those seeking advanced nursing degrees.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.79.010 and 18.79.110; SB 5092 (chapter 229, Laws of 2013).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: SB 5092 (chapter 229, Laws of 2013) required that the nursing care quality assurance commission (NCQAC) adopt rules on continuing competency. Registered nurses seeking advanced nursing degrees must be exempt from continuing competency requirements, and the NCQAC may also allow additional exemptions for nurses enrolled in advanced education programs. In order to accomplish this, rule making may include clarifying definitions, discussing audit cycle requirements, developing a monitoring process and establishing educational program requirements related to continuing competency standards for nurses.

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. Public workshops will be held at locations across the state. Stakeholders will be informed about workshops and the public hearing via the NCQAC listserv and web site. Interested parties may sign up for the listserv at http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/NursingCommission.aspx or contact Anne Schuchmann, MSN, RN, Department of Health, NCQAC, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504-7864, (360) 236-4712, Nursing@doh.wa.gov.

November 5, 2013

Paula R. Meyer, MSN, RN

Executive Director, NCQAC