WSR 19-15-077

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Veterinary Board of Governors)

[Filed July 17, 2019, 3:26 p.m.]

Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 19-04-070.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-933-250 Examination and licensure requirements, the veterinary board of governors (board) proposes to remove the clinical competency test (CCT) as an examination requirement.

Hearing Location(s): On September 23, 2019, at 11:15 a.m., at Yakima Valley College, West Nob Hill Boulevard and South 16th Avenue, Building #30, Yakima, WA 98902.

Date of Intended Adoption: September 23, 2019.

Submit Written Comments to: Loralei Walker, Department of Health, Veterinary Board of Governors, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, email https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview, fax 360-236-2901, by September 9, 2019.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Loralei Walker, phone 360-236-4947, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email loralei.walker@doh.wa.gov, by September 16, 2019.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The board is amending WAC 246-933-250 to remove unnecessary barriers to licensure. Specifically, the board proposes to remove the requirement for CCT. Per WAC 246-933-250, licensees must "successfully complete either the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), or the National Board Examination for Veterinary Medical Licensing (NBE) with the CCT." However, CCT was created in 1979 and discontinued in 2000. Applicants applying in Washington who took the licensure exam prior [to] 1979 have gained skills and abilities over their careers that far surpass what CCT would have assessed.

Applicants who have not taken CCT may apply by reciprocity per RCW 18.92.130. However, the reciprocity statute requires the applicant to provide proof that: Their license is in good standing; they have held an active license in another state for at least the previous two years; and the state would extend a like privilege to a Washington applicant without requiring an examination. This must be done through a letter addressed to the board.

This is often an onerous process, and in some cases the applicant is not able to get another state to provide such a letter. In these cases, the applicant's only recourse is to appeal the board's decision or pass NAVLE (the current examination).

The board finds that CCT requirement is no longer relevant. This change must be made through rule in order to change the licensing requirements and process.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: Per WAC 246-933-250, licensees must successfully complete either NAVLE or NBE with CCT. However, CCT was not required prior to 1979. Applicants applying in Washington who took the licensure exam prior without CCT have gained skills and abilities over their careers that far surpass what CCT would have assessed.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.92.030.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 18.92.030.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Name of Proponent: Department of health, veterinary board of governors, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Loralei Walker, Program Manager, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 360-236-4947.

A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.

A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Loralei Walker, Department of Health, Veterinary Board of Governors, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-4947, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email loralei.walker@doh.wa.gov.

The proposed rule does not impose more-than-minor costs on businesses. Following is a summary of the agency's analysis showing how costs were calculated. The proposed rule does not impact businesses.

July 17, 2019

Elizabeth C. Davies, DVM, Chair

Veterinary Board of Governors