WSR 15-24-090

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed November 30, 2015, 5:43 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-805 WAC creating a new chapter to implement a program for certified and licensed applied behavior analysis (ABA) professionals, including fees and the creation of an advisory committee.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: SSB 5488 (chapter 118, Laws of 2015).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: SSB 5488 directs the secretary to adopt rules necessary to implement a program for certified and licensed ABA professionals. These professionals include certified behavior technician, licensed behavior analyst, and licensed assistant behavior analyst. These rules will enhance and protect patient safety by having qualified ABA professionals certified and licensed in Washington state.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department has been in communication and coordination with health care authority and department of social and health services, division of behavioral health and recover [recovery]. These agencies will be included during the development of rules.

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 request to receive notices of rule development workshops and other rule-making activities or send comments by contacting Nancy Tyson, Executive Director, Department of Health, ABA, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4796, fax (360) 236-2901, nancy.tyson@doh.wa.gov.

November 24, 2015

John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary