Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-930 WAC, Sex offender treatment provider, the department of health (department) is considering updating the chapter of rules for sex offender treatment providers (SOTP) to align the rules with recent legislation. ESSB 6641 substantially changes certification requirements for SOTPs, including specifying which professional credential can be used as the underlying credential, but adopting a clause to allow those who already hold an SOTP credential to keep practicing, broadening the qualifications for the supervisor of an affiliate provider, allowing applicants to use certain experience to qualify for the SOTP credential, and creating a new process for out-of-state applications. In addition, the bill also establishes the SOTP advisory committee, and creates a process for waiving SOTP fees, among other changes. ESHB 1551 makes statutory changes to modernize control of communicable diseases, including repealing statutes requiring AIDS training for health care professions. To comply with the statute, the department is considering repealing AIDS training requirements currently in chapter 246-930 WAC. The department may also consider other amendments, organizational changes, or updates as appropriate.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering amending sections of chapter 246-930 WAC to align the rules with recent legislation and implement changes enacted by the legislature. ESSB 6641 is intended to increase availability and geographic distribution of SOTPs and reduce barriers to licensure, while ESHB 1551 is intended to modernize control of communicable diseases. Amending chapter 246-930 WAC to implement statutory changes will provide clarity for licensees and promote public health.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department of health is coordinating with representatives of the department of corrections, the department of social and health services and the department of children, youth, and families as ESSB 6641 is implemented, and will continue to have representation from these departments in the newly-established sex offender treatment provider advisory committee.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting U. James Chaney, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-2831, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 711, email james.chaney@doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Rule-making notices will be delivered via GovDelivery to various health professions lists. Notices for this rule making will be the same regardless of the GovDelivery it is sent to. To receive notices, interested persons may sign up for any or all of the lists. Please go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new. After signing in, please click open the box labeled "Health Systems Quality Assurance." Next click open the box labeled "Health Professions." From there, you may check the box next to one or more of the professions listed.