WSR 14-20-069 PROPOSED RULES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH [Filed September 26, 2014, 1:04 p.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 13-21-056.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-815-020 Dental hygiene examination eligibility and 246-815-140 Continuing education for dental hygienists. The department of health is proposing to amend WAC 246-815-020 to streamline the application requirements for dental hygiene examination eligibility, and proposes to amend the continuing education requirements for dental hygienists in WAC 246-815-140.
Hearing Location(s): Department of Health, Town Center 2, Room 158, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, on November 12, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: November 19, 2014.
Submit Written Comments to: Vicki Brown, Program Manager, Health Professions and Facilities, Dental Hygiene Program, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, e-mail [web site] http://www3.doh.wa.gov/policyreview/, fax (360) 236-2901, by November 5, 2014.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Vicki Brown by November 5, 2014, TTY (800) 833-6388 or 711.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: WAC 246-815-020 requires an applicant for licensure as a dental hygienist to submit a photo taken within the year before he or she submits the application. The department, in consultation with the dental hygiene examining committee (committee), is proposing the repeal of this requirement as it may streamline the application review process.
The department, in consultation with the committee, is also proposing changes to WAC 246-815-140 continuing education (CE). The committee is considering increasing the range of CE options to enhance skills and improve patient safety.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: RCW 43.70.280 gives the secretary authority to establish by rule administrative procedures/requirements for initial issuance of a health care profession license. The proposal changes application requirements by removing the requirement of a photo of applicant. This will streamline the application process to allow hygienists to apply for a license using an online application and it does not affect patient safety. RCW 18.29.130 allows the secretary to establish and implement by rule a continuing education program. Increasing the range of CE options may enhance skills and improve patient safety.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.70.280 and 18.29.130(7).
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 18.29 RCW.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Department of health, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Vicki Brown, Program Manager, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, (360) 236-4865.
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 required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Vicki Brown, Program Manager, Health Professions/Facilities, Dental Hygiene Program, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4865, fax (360) 236-2901, e-mail vicki.brown@doh.wa.gov.
September 26, 2014
Dennis E. Worsham
Deputy Secretary
for John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH
Secretary
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 04-20-049, filed 10/1/04, effective 11/1/04)
WAC 246-815-020 Dental hygiene ((examination)) licensure—Initial eligibility and application requirements.
(1) ((To be eligible to take the approved dental hygiene examination, the)) An applicant for a dental hygiene license must ((meet the following requirements)):
(a) ((The applicant must have)) Successfully ((completed)) complete a dental hygiene education program approved by the secretary of the department of health pursuant to WAC 246-815-030.
(b) ((Applicants must)) Complete seven clock hours of AIDS education as required in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 8.
(c) ((The applicant must)) Demonstrate knowledge of Washington law pertaining to the practice of dental hygiene including the administration of legend drugs.
(d) ((The applicant must)) Complete the required application materials and pay the required fee.
(2) The application must include:
(a) The ((required examination)) fee required under WAC 246-815-990.
(b) Either the national board IBM card reflecting a passing score or a notarized copy of the national board certificate.
(((c) One photograph of the applicant taken within one year preceding the application.))
(3) An official transcript ((or certificate of completion constitutes proof of successful completion)) from an approved dental hygiene education program. No other proof of successful completion is acceptable.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 98-05-060, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98)
WAC 246-815-140 Continuing education for dental hygienists.
(1) Purposes. The secretary of the department of health in consultation with the dental hygiene examining committee has determined that the public health, safety and welfare ((will be served by requiring all holders of dental hygiene licenses granted under chapter 18.29 RCW to continue their education after receiving such licenses.
(2) Requirements. Licensed dental hygienists must complete 15 clock hours of continuing education as required in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7. A current CPR card must be maintained as part of this requirement.
(3) Acceptable continuing education. Continuing education must be dental related education for professional development as a dental hygienist. The 15 clock hours shall be obtained through continuing education courses, correspondence courses, college credit courses, dental hygiene examination standardization/calibration workshops and dental hygiene examination item writer workshops)) is served by requiring all dental hygienists licensed under chapter 18.29 RCW to continue their education after receiving their licenses.
(2) Requirements. To renew a license a licensed dental hygienist must:
(a) Complete fifteen clock hours of continuing education each year following the first license renewal.
(b) Maintain a current basic life support (BLS) card for health care providers.
(c) Sign a declaration attesting to the completion of the required number of hours as part of the annual renewal requirement.
(3) Acceptable continuing education - Qualification of courses for continuing education credit. The department will not authorize or approve specific continuing education courses. Continuing education course work must contribute to the professional knowledge and development of the dental hygienist or to enhance services provided to patients.
For the purposes of this chapter, acceptable continuing education means courses offered or authorized by industry recognized local, state, private, national and international organizations, agencies or institutions of higher learning. Examples of sponsors or types of continuing education courses may include, but are not limited to:
(a) The Washington State Dental Association, American Dental Association, National Dental Association, Washington State Dental Hygienists' Association, American Dental Hygienists' Association, National Dental Hygienists' Association, including the constituent and component/branch societies.
(b) Basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)/Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), or emergency related training such as courses offered or authorized by the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society; or any other organizations or agencies.
(c) Self-study through the use of multimedia devices or the study of books, research materials, or other publications.
(i) Multimedia devices. The required documentation for this activity is a letter or other documentation from the organization not to exceed five hours per year.
(ii) Books, research materials, or other publications. The required documentation for this activity is a two page synopsis written by the credential holder of what was learned, not to exceed five hours per year.
(d) Distance learning. Distance learning includes, but is not limited to: Correspondence course, webinar, print, audio/video broadcasting, audio/video teleconferencing, computer aided instruction, e-learning/online-learning, or computer broadcasting/webcasting that includes an assessment tool upon completion, not to exceed ten hours per year.
(e) A licensee who serves as an educator or who lectures in continuing education programs and/or courses, that contribute to the professional knowledge of a licensed dental hygienist may accumulate the same number of hours obtained by licensed dental hygienists attending the program or course, not to exceed eight hours per year.
(f) Attendance at a continuing education program with a featured speaker(s), not to exceed eight hours per year.
(g) Nonclinical courses relating to practice organization and management, patient management, methods of health delivery, medical/dental insurance courses, or retirement, not to exceed five hours per year.
(h) Dental hygiene examination standardization/calibration workshops and dental hygiene examination item writer workshops, not to exceed ten hours per year.
(i) Provision of clinical dental hygiene services in a documented volunteer capacity when preceded by educational/instructional training prior to provision of services, not to exceed five hours per year. Volunteering must be without compensation and under appropriate supervision.
(j) A licensee who serves as a public health official or employee, contractor for a state or local health agency, community prevention education expert, or works in a field that relates to prevention activities in public health dentistry, may accumulate hours related directly to providing services to the underserved, rural and at risk populations, not to exceed five hours per year.
(4) The department may randomly audit up to twenty-five percent of practitioners for compliance with the requirements in this section after the credential is renewed as allowed by chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7.
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