WSR 14-18-041 PROPOSED RULES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (Board of Optometry) [Filed August 27, 2014, 2:16 p.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 10-05-060.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-851-235 Credits for cultural competency in clinical care, proposing a new rule to allow optometrists credit for continuing education related to cultural competence.
Hearing Location(s): Creekside Two at Center Point, 20425 72nd Avenue South, Room 307, Kent, WA 98032, on December 1, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: December 1, 2014.
Submit Written Comments to: Judy Haenke, Program Manager, Board of Optometry, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, e-mail http://www3.doh.wa.gov/policyreview/, fax (360) 236-2901, by November 26, 2014.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Judy Haenke, program manager, by November 19, 2014, TTY (800) 833-6388 or 711.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rule provides an optional credit for educational courses which increase cultural competency of licensed optometrists. The rule addresses the increasing demand for health care practitioners to provide effective care for patients of diverse cultural and social origins. All heath care providers should be encouraged to increase their knowledge and practice skills to provide effective care to all patients regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or primary language. The rule does not change the total number of continuing education credits required for optometrists.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: In 2006, ESB 6194 (chapter 237, Laws of 2006), now codified as RCW 43.70.615, suggested health care providers licensed by the department of health would benefit from multicultural health awareness education and training. Completion of multicultural awareness programs may increase the knowledge, understanding and skill of health care providers to effectively provide health care in cross-cultural situations.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.54.070.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 18.54.070 and 43.70.615.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Department of health, board of optometry, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Judy Haenke, Program Manager, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, (360) 236-4947.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rule would not impose more than minor costs on businesses in an industry.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The agency did not complete a cost-benefit analysis under RCW 34.05.328. RCW 34.05.328 (5)(a) exempts rules that, by definition, are not significant legislative rules.
August 27, 2014
Judy Chan, OD, Chair
Board of Optometry
NEW SECTION
WAC 246-851-235 Credits for cultural competency in clinical care.
(1) This section addresses the increasing demand for health care practitioners to provide effective care for patients of diverse cultural and social origins. All optometrists are encouraged to increase their knowledge and practice skills to provide effective care to all patients regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or primary language.
(2) Continuing education credit will be granted for courses or materials related to the awareness of health disparities among different populations and the ability to effectively provide health services in cross cultural situations.
(3) No more than two credit hours will be granted under this section to any licensee in any two-year reporting period.
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