WSR 14-13-104

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed June 17, 2014, 2:56 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-915 WAC, Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, opening rules, per statutory mandates to: (1) Establish requirements for spinal manipulation endorsement and associated continuing education and standards of care requirements; and (2) establish continuing education and training requirements for suicide assessment, treatment and management.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.74.023, ESHB 2315 (chapter 71, Laws of 2014), and ESHB 2160 (chapter 116, Laws of 2014)

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: ESHB 2315 directs the board of physical therapy (board) to adopt rules to implement continuing education and training requirements for suicide assessment, treatment, and management. The board may identify in rule training exceptions and exemptions as appropriate. ESHB 2160 expands the scope of practice of physical therapists to perform spinal manipulation. Rules are needed to establish education and training requirements to receive an initial endorsement to perform spinal manipulation and manipulative mobilization of the spine. Continuing education and standards of care requirements will also need to be established for those providers who receive the endorsement.

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 parties may participate in the development of draft rules prior to a formal proposal by joining the board's listserv, attending workshops, and providing input on draft and proposed materials. Interested parties can receive information on how to participate by contacting Kris Waidely, Program Manager, Board of Physical Therapy, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4847, fax (360) 236-2901, e-mail kris.waidely@doh.wa.gov.

June 17, 2014

Blake T. Maresh

Executive Director