Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-933-401 through 246-933-460, 246-935-270 through 246-935-310, and 246-933-285, 246-935-130, and 246-937-080, veterinary board of governors (board), suicide prevention training and HIV/AIDS training. The board is considering amending its continuing education requirements and adding new sections to chapters 246-933 and 246-935 WAC to implement a one-time suicide prevention training for veterinarians and veterinary technicians as required by ESHB 2411. The board is also considering the repeal of WAC 246-933-285, 246-935-130, and 246-937-080 in accordance with ESHB 1551, which removed the requirement of HIV/AIDS training for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary medication clerks.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.92.030; ESHB 2411 (chapter 229, Laws of 2020); ESHB 1551 (chapter 76, Laws of 2020).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: ESHB 2411 directs the board to consult with the University of Washington's Forefront Suicide Prevention Center of Excellence and affected professional associations to develop a one-time, three-hour suicide prevention training program for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. This training will be required as part of the continuing education requirements beginning July 1, 2022. This training will help veterinary professionals focus on veterinary mental health and well-being, understand general content on suicide risk, prevention, and resourcing, and specific content on imminent harm by lethal means.

ESHB 1551 repeals the requirement in RCW 70.24.270 for HIV/AIDS training requirements for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary medication clerks and other health professionals. Repealing the relevant requirements in rule will align the rule with the statute.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Loralei Walker, P.O. Box 47852 Olympia, WA 98504-7853, phone 360-236-4947, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 711, email loralei.walker@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: To subscribe to receive notices regarding this rule making go to www.doh.wa.gov. Please click on the green "Subscribe" button at the bottom right of the page. Once you register, select (+) "Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA)," (+) "Health Professions," then select "Veterinary Board."