WSR 17-09-050

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed April 17, 2017, 2:09 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-101 WAC, Notifiable conditions, the state board of health will consider adding notification and specimen submission requirements for new conditions (Appendix A) and conditions currently identified as "other rare diseases of public health significance" (Appendix B); changing notification and specimen submission requirements for existing conditions; clarifying notification requirements for suspected cases; requiring electronic lab notification; and improving clarity and usability.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.20.050 Powers and duties of state board of health—Rule making—Delegation of authority—Enforcement of rules.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The state board of health will consider changing the rules to better protect public health by improving our understanding of emerging conditions, allowing more thorough case investigations, and improving the public health response to disease. The public health goals for these changes are to reduce the risk of disease transmission and prevent serious complications or fatalities.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department of health has authority to establish requirements for some notifiable conditions within chapter 246-101 WAC. These requirements are not being considered for revision during this rule-making process. To ensure department of health requirements are not modified over the course of the rule making, state board of health staff will consult with department of health staff while developing the proposed rules.

Process for Developing New Rule: The board will use a collaborative rule-making process in developing the proposed rules. The board will consult with an advisory committee to receive recommendations for rule revision. The advisory committee will include members of the regulated community, related associations, local health jurisdictions, and other interested stakeholders. Once draft rules are prepared, the board will use a broader informal review and comment process to gather further input prior to the formal proposal of rules and public hearing.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Interested parties can participate in the formulation of the proposed rules and the decision to adopt the final rules by contacting Sierra Rotakhina via email Sierra.Rotakhina@DOH.WA.GOV or phone (360) 236-4106; or by contacting Vicki M. Bouvier via email Vicki.Bouvier@DOH.WA.GOV or phone (360) 236-3011.

April 17, 2017

Michelle A. Davis

Executive Director