WSR 18-02-077

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed January 2, 2018, 12:16 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: New chapter 246-827A WAC, Forensic phlebotomists, the department of health (department) is considering establishing a new chapter of rules to implement provisions of E2SHB 1614. The bill creates a new forensic phlebotomist credential and requires the department to adopt rules to specify the minimum qualifications for the credential. This preproposal statement of inquiry is replacing a previously filed notice (WSR 17-15-022) to clarify that, in addition to training requirements, the department is considering additional new sections necessary to implement the credential.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.360.030, 18.360.070, 43.70.040, and E2SHB 1614 (chapter 336, Laws of 2017).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: E2SHB 1614 requires the department to adopt rules setting training requirements for the new forensic phlebotomist credential. In addition to training requirements, new sections are needed that are typical of other health professions. The department is considering sections that may include, but are not limited to, defining terms, setting necessary fees, and explaining general standards and expectations for this new credential, as well as the processes required for obtaining and renewing the credential. The department is considering establishing a new chapter for forensic phlebotomist credential holders to clarify that rules related to holders of the forensic phlebotomist credential do not apply to medical assistants, whose administrative rules are under chapter 246-827 WAC.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Washington state patrol and Washington state department of corrections. Qualified employees of these agencies will be eligible for the new credential. The department will encourage leaders from both of these agencies to attend rules workshops and participate in the rule-making process.

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 by contacting Brett Cain, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-4766, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email brett.cain@doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Notices will be emailed through GovDelivery (https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new) to the program's interested parties list. At the formal proposal stage of rule making, proposed rule language will be posted on the department's rules comments web site for public comment up to the date of the public hearing.

January 2, 2018

John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary