WSR 13-24-106

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed December 3, 2013, 2:14 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-976-420 Trauma registry's department responsibilities and 246-976-430 Trauma registry—Provider responsibilities, the department of health (department) is opening the trauma registry rules to consider amending and updating requirements.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 70.168.060 and 70.168.090.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The statewide trauma data registry was established to collect and analyze data on the incidence, severity and causes of trauma, including traumatic brain injury. The registry is used to improve the availability and delivery of prehospital and hospital trauma care services. The rules establish the data elements that must be reported by trauma agencies. The current registry rules were revised in December 2009. In order to collect the most relevant data and to improve the quality, quantity, efficiency and effectiveness of the trauma system, the trauma registry rules need to be reviewed and amendments proposed as appropriate.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other agencies regulate this subject.

Process for Developing New Rule: The department will meet with the trauma registry data quality workgroup, the hospital technical advisory committee and the outcomes technical advisory committee to review the current standards and seek input on necessary changes to the existing rule.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Constituents and the public will be able to participate in the review and any necessary drafting of proposed language through open public meetings, mailings, and e-mail. The proposed rule language will be sent out to all affected and interested parties before the formal public hearing is held. For questions regarding these rules, contact Susan Reynolds, Trauma Registry Administrator, Office of Community Health Systems, P.O. Box 47853, Olympia, WA 98504-7853, e-mail susan.reynolds@doh.wa.gov, phone (360) 236-2872, fax (360) 236-2830.

November 27, 2013

John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary