WSR 15-06-014

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed February 23, 2015, 9:18 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-919-421 through 246-919-470, renewal and CME requirements. The medical quality assurance commission (commission) is considering developing rules establishing requirements to ensure continuing competency for allopathic physicians.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.71.017 and 18.71.002.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: RCW 18.71.002 states that the purpose of the commission is to regulate the competency and quality of professional health care providers under its jurisdiction by establishing, among other things, continuing competency mechanisms. The commission is considering rules to require physicians to engage in professional development to ensure continuing competency. The rules may require physicians at the time of license renewal to demonstrate skills and knowledge in their areas of practice, including practice-relevant continuing medical education. The goal is to facilitate physician participation in learning activities that are relevant to their daily practice and improve performance and patient outcomes.

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 commission's listserv, attending workshops, and providing input on draft and proposed materials. Interested parties can receive information on how to participate by contacting Daidria Pittman, Program Manager, Medical Quality Assurance Commission, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47866, Olympia, WA 98504-7866, phone (360) 236-2727, fax (360) 236-2795, e-mail daidria.pittman@doh.wa.gov.

February 20, 2015

Melanie De Leon

Executive Director