WSR 18-02-079 PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (Medical Quality Assurance Commission) [Filed January 2, 2018, 12:29 p.m.] Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-919 WAC, Medical quality assurance commission (allopathic physicians), the medical quality assurance commission (commission) is considering amending the chapter to update and modernize the rules to align with current law and practice. Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Several sections within chapter 246-919 WAC have not been updated since 1996. Since then, several changes have occurred that may require rule revisions. The commission is considering updating rules to more closely align with current industry standards and provide clearer rules language for licensed allopathic physicians. In addition, RCW 43.70.041 requires the commission to review its administrative rules every five years to ensure that regulations are current and relevant. Rule amendments being considered will potentially benefit the public's health by ensuring participating providers are informed and regulated by current national industry and best practice standards. 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 by contacting Daidria Amelia Underwood, P.O. Box 47866, Olympia, WA 98504-7866, phone 360-236-2727, fax 360-236-2795, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email daidria.underwood@doh.wa.gov. Additional comments: Interested persons may sign up for the commission's interested parties list (GovDelivery) at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new to participate in the commission's rule drafting workshops. All commission rule-making notices will be emailed via GovDelivery and interested parties will be invited to participate in public rules meetings and submit written comments for consideration. January 2, 2018 Melanie de Leon Executive Director |