Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-841-520 and 246-841-720, nursing assistants. The department of health (department) is considering amendments to WAC 246-841-520 to complete technical updates regarding expired licenses and WAC 246-841-720 to adopt the mandatory reporting requirements in chapter 246-16 WAC.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.130.040, 18.130.050, 18.130.060, 18.130.070, 18.130.175, 43.70.280.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering technical amendments to WAC 246-841-520, including clarifying what section in chapter 246-12 WAC is being referenced and changing the WAC section number to align with chapter revisions. The department is also considering amending WAC 246-841-720 to adopt mandatory reporting requirements in chapter 246-16 WAC, which pertain to impaired practice and unprofessional conduct. Rule making is necessary to bring these sections up-to-date and ensure the rules are clear for the public's safety and well-being.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Ross Valore, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504-7864, phone 360-236-4711, TTY 711, email NCQAC.Rules@doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: The department will notify interested parties of rule making by posting information on the department website, the nursing quality assurance commission (commission) website and by use of GovDelivery. The commission will hold virtual meetings at varying times to encourage participation. Interested parties can join the distribution list at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new and select health systems quality assurance, health professions, nursing assistant, and any other lists you wish to join.