WSR 16-09-113

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed April 20, 2016, 6:41 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-854-XXX Osteopathic physician assistants (PA), the board of osteopathic medicine and surgery (board) is considering rules to establish training requirements for suicide assessment, treatment, and management for osteopathic PAs per RCW 43.70.442. Amendments to existing sections within the chapter may be necessary.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.57A.020, 43.70.442 as amended by ESHB 2315 (chapter 71, Laws of 2014) and ESHB 1424 (chapter 252, Laws of 2015).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: RCW 43.70.442 directs the board to adopt rules to implement training requirements for suicide assessment, treatment, and management. To comply with statute, the board will consider establishing rule standards for trainings in suicide assessment, treatment, and management that are appropriate for osteopathic PAs to help lower the suicide rate in Washington state. Other amendments may be considered as necessary.

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 Brett Cain, Program Manager, Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4766, fax (360) 236-2901, e-mail brett.cain@doh.wa.gov.

April 19, 2016

Blake T. Maresh

Executive Director