STATE BOARD OF HEALTH

[Filed December 1, 2021, 9:49 a.m.]

Continuance of WSR 21-20-127.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 20-15-112.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 246-100 WAC, Communicable and certain other diseases. The state board of health (board) is proposing amending this chapter to implement changes made by ESHB 1551 as it relates to HIV/AIDS. The board also proposes other technical or editorial changes as needed.

Hearing Location(s): On January 12, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency, the board will not provide a physical location for this hearing to promote social distancing and the safety of the citizens of Washington state. A virtual public hearing, without a physical space, will be held instead. Board members, presenters, and staff will all participate remotely. Zoom webinar hyperlink to register https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DjusY10WTj-EyQyDTdyxsw. Zoom webinar dial-in only: 1. Webinar phone number +1 (253) 215-8782; 2. webinar ID 894 7406 4216; 3. webinar Passcode 957396.

Date of Intended Adoption: January 12, 2022.

Submit Written Comments to: Email https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview, by January 1, 3000 [2022].

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Melanie Hisaw, phone 360-236-41014 [4104], TTY 711, email melanie.hisaw@sboh.wa.gov, by January 3, 2022.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The purpose of this rule making is to revise chapter 246-100 WAC to assure [ensure] consistency with the statutory requirements and protect public health and safety. Revisions include, but are not limited to, establishing reporting requirements and procedures for investigations for sexually transmitted infections; specifying behavior that endangers the public health; defining specimens that can be obtained and tests that can be administered for sexually transmitted infections, bloodborne pathogens, and other infections; determining categories of employment that are at risk of substantial exposure to a bloodborne pathogen; and defining what constitutes an exposure that presents a possible risk of transmission of a bloodborne pathogen.

At the January 12, 2022, meeting, the board will continue discussion of the proposed rule and comments received.