WSR 21-07-021

PERMANENT RULES

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Board of Physical Therapy)

[Filed March 8, 2021, 11:09 a.m., effective April 8, 2021]

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

Purpose: The board of physical therapy is repealing WAC 246-915-110 AIDS education and training, in support of ESHB 1551 (chapter 76, Laws of 2020). The department of health repealed the AIDS prevention and education requirements rules from chapter 246-12 WAC also in support of ESHB 1551. These rules detailed the definitions, acceptable education and training, and documentation requirements for health professionals and employees concerning AIDS.

ESHB 1551 repeals statutes concerning AIDS education and training for emergency medical personnel, health professionals, and health care facility employees in an effort to help reduce stigma towards people living with HIV by not singling out AIDS as an exceptional disease that requires specific training and education separate from other health conditions. The requirement for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to specifically complete seven hours of AIDS education and training prior to being issued a license is repealed.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 246-915-110.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.74.023.

Other Authority: ESHB 1551 (chapter 76, Laws of 2020).

Adopted under notice filed as WSR 20-20-103 on October 5, 2020.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 1.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 1.

Date Adopted: March 8, 2021.

Kathryn L. Dale, PT

Board Chair

OTS-2551.1

The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed: