WSR 17-20-065 PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY STATE BOARD OF HEALTH [Filed October 2, 2017, 9:44 a.m.] Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-215-09150 Employee restrooms—Toilet facilities, this rule making will consider revising WAC 246-215-09150 to increase the minimum distance to employee restrooms for mobile food units. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The state board of health received a petition from the Washington State Food Truck Association, in which the petitioner identified minimum distance to restrooms as the most difficult requirement to meet when applying for mobile food unit permits. The state board of health will assess the appropriate standards and whether or not increasing the minimum distance will create more vending locations while still protecting public health. Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The state board of health considers the United States Food and Drug Administration model food code when developing rules. Process for Developing New Rule: The state board of health and the department of health (department) will use a collaborative rule-making approach. The department will consult with the Washington State Food Truck Association and other stakeholders. In fall 2017 the department is forming a statewide food safety advisory council consisting of industry, local health, and other stakeholders. This issue will be addressed in meetings of this advisory committee. The department will keep stakeholders informed of the rule development through email correspondence and regular posting of information on department rule-making web site. Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Peter Beaton, P.O. Box 47820, Olympia, WA 98504-7820, phone 360-236-4031, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email peter.beaton@doh.wa.gov; or Stuart Glasoe, P.O. Box 47990, Olympia, WA 98504-7990, phone 360-236-4111, email stuart.glasoe@sboh.wa.gov. October 2, 2017 Michelle A. Davis Executive Director |