Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-828-370 HIV/AIDS prevention and information education requirements for audiologists, speech-language pathologists, speech-language pathology assistants, and hearing aid specialists. The board of hearing and speech (board) is proposing to repeal WAC 246-828-370 as a result of ESHB 1551 (chapter 76, Laws of 2020).

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: ESHB 1551 repealed statutes concerning AIDS education and training for emergency medical personnel, health professionals, and health care facility employees. The list of repealed statutes included RCW 70.24.270 (Health professionals—Rules for AIDS education and training) which involves licensees governed under the board. The board is proposing to repeal its rule as the requirement is no longer required in statute.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The intent of ESHB 1551 was to reduce stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS. This includes not isolating AIDS as an exceptional disease that requires specific training and education separate from other health conditions. Repealing the AIDS training requirement in WAC 246-828-370 could remove barriers from becoming licensed or renewing licensure for audiologists, hearing aid specialists, speech-language pathologists, and speech-language pathology assistants.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Kim-Boi Shadduck, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 360-236-2912.

The statute on which the rule is based has been repealed and has not been replaced by another statute providing statutory authority for the rule.

Explanation of the Reason the Agency Believes the Expedited Rule-Making Process is Appropriate: ESHB 1551 repealed RCW 70.240.270 the stautue [statute] on which the board of hearing and speech's rules concerning AIDS education for health care professionals is based on.

THIS RULE IS BEING PROPOSED UNDER AN EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THE AGENCY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, PREPARE A SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT, OR PROVIDE RESPONSES TO THE CRITERIA FOR A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE RULE. IF YOU OBJECT TO THIS USE OF THE EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS, YOU MUST EXPRESS YOUR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING AND THEY MUST BE SENT TO Kim-Boi Shadduck, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-2912, fax 360-236-2901, email https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview, AND RECEIVED BY February 22, 2021.