Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 392-198 WAC, regarding training school employees concerning blood-borne pathogens.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The office of superintendent of public instruction (OSPI) is considering rule making to amend the rules concerning school employee training and education for blood-borne pathogens. RCW 70.24.290 was amended (HB [ESHB] 1551, 2020) and directs OSPI to adopt rules concerning educating and training school employees on the prevention, transmission, and treatment of blood-borne pathogens. Previously, the requirement was for education and training concerning HIV/AIDS but has been amended to include blood-borne pathogens.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: OSPI will consult with Washington state department of health's infectious disease division in developing these rules.

Process for Developing New Rule: Early solicitation of public comments and recommendations respecting new, amended, or repealed rules, and consideration of the comments and recommendations in the course of drafting rule.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Annie Hetzel, OSPI, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-725-6054, email healthservices@k12.wa.us, website k12.wa.us; or Camille Goldy, OSPI, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-725-6050, email Camille.Goldy@k12.wa.us, website k12.wa.us.