Subject of Possible Rule Making: New WAC 246-847-991 Occupational therapy compact (compact) fees and renewal cycle. The department of health (department) is considering establishing a new section of rule to implement SB 5518, which creates a new interstate compact for occupational therapy and gives member states the discretion to charge a fee for granting compact privileges. The department is considering adopting rules to specify the fees, as well as to ensure clarity and consistency of fees that are standard across all professions.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.70.110, 43.70.250, 43.70.280; and SB 5518 (chapter 152, Laws of 2022).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: SB 5518 creates a new interstate compact for occupational therapy practitioners and gives member states the discretion to charge a fee for granting compact privileges. RCW 43.70.250 requires that the costs of licensing each profession be fully borne by the members of that profession. Establishing fees in rule may be needed to ensure the department is in line with RCW 43.70.250. Fees need to be sufficient to cover the costs of licensing the profession. The department may also consider rules to ensure clarity and consistency of fees that are standard across professions.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kathy Weed, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-236-4883, TTY 711, email kathy.weed@doh.wa.gov, website HSQAfeerules@doh.wa.gov, https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new.

Additional comments: The department will use the existing GovDelivery list to inform stakeholders of opportunities to provide input on proposed rule language. Interested parties can join the GovDelivery list to get information on participating in the process by subscribing at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new.