WSR 14-06-100

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed March 5, 2014, 8:39 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-851 WAC, the board of optometry (board) is considering establishing a retired active status for licensed optometrists.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.54.070(2), 18.130.250.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The board received a petition requesting a retired active status for licensed optometrists. The board determined that it would initiate rule making to consider establishing a retired active status. The retired active status will allow optometrists to maintain their credential and practice in a limited way at a reduced cost. Under RCW 18.130.250 and chapter 246-12 WAC, when authorized, a health care provider may apply for a retired active credential when he or she holds an active Washington state credential; is in good standing; and either will practice no more than ninety days each year or will practice only in emergency circumstances.

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 by contacting Judy Haenke, Program Manager, Department of Health, Board of Optometry, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, judy.haenke@doh.wa.gov, phone (360) 236-4947, fax (360) 236-2901. Stakeholders will be notified and invited to participate in an open public rules workshop and may submit written comments for consideration. Stakeholders will be notified through listserv and posting to the web site.

March 5, 2014

Kirby Putscher

Acting Executive Director