WSR 19-20-094
PROPOSED RULES
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(Occupational Therapy Practice Board)
[Filed October 1, 2019, 10:07 a.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 18-22-117.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-847-067, the occupational therapy practice board (board) proposes to create a new section to establish licensing requirements for applicants with a license that has expired in another state.
Hearing Location(s): On November 8, 2019, at 9:10 a.m., at the Department of Health, Town Center 2, Room 145, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501.
Date of Intended Adoption: November 8, 2019.
Submit Written Comments to: Kathy Weed, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 9854-7852 [98504-7852], email https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview, fax 360-236-2901, by November 7, 2019.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Kathy Weed, phone 360-236-4883, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email kathy.weed@doh.wa.gov, by November 1, 2019.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rule creates requirements for applicant[s] with expired credentials in another state that seek Washington licensure. Proposed rule language is clear and will assist the board in quickly evaluating individual portfolios and expedite the application process.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: This route to licensure was inadvertently deleted during previous rule making in August 2018 under WSR 18-09-032. To ensure this route to licensure is still available, rule making is required. Rule making establishes enforceable licensing requirements and a safety mechanism for patients receiving occupational therapy services. These mechanisms ensure competence, appropriate education, and training for applicants that have not been actively practicing for an extended period of time.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW
18.59.130.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Department of health, occupational therapy practice board, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Kathy Weed, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98504, 360-236-4883.
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 Kathy Weed, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98501, phone 360-236-4883, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email
kathy.weed@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 impose costs on businesses.
October 1, 2019
Sheryl Zylstra, OT, Chair
Occupational Therapy Practice Board
NEW SECTION
WAC 246-847-067Initial application for individuals who have an expired license in a different state and are seeking Washington licensure.
(1) An initial applicant with an expired license in a different state who has not practiced for less than three years must comply with the requirements for licensure as specified in chapter
18.59 RCW and this chapter.
(2) An initial applicant with an expired license in a different state who has not practiced for three or more years but less than five years from date of application must comply with the requirements for licensure as specified in chapter
18.59 RCW and this chapter and submit proof to the department of:
(a) Completion of thirty hours of continued competency as described in WAC 246-847-065 for the previous two-year period; and
(b) Completion of any additional requirements as required by the board.
(3) An initial applicant with an expired license in a different state who has not practiced for five or more years from date of application must comply with the requirements for licensure as specified in chapter
18.59 RCW and this chapter and submit proof to the department of:
(a) Completion of thirty hours of continued competency as described in WAC 246-847-065 for the previous two-year period;
(b) Completion of a board-approved reentry program; and
(c) In addition to these requirements, the applicant has the choice of:
(i) Completion of extended course work preapproved by the board; or
(ii) Successfully retaking and passing the examinations specified in WAC 246-847-080.
(d) Completion of any additional requirements as required by the board.
(4) The applicant may be required to appear before the board for oral interview.