Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-825 WAC, Genetic counselors. The department of health (department) is considering adopting the health equity continuing education (CE) model rules, WAC 246-12-800 through 246-12-830, for genetic counselors to comply with RCW 43.70.613. Additional CE hours and course topics related to health equity will also be considered.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: By January 1, 2024, RCW 43.70.613(1) requires each health profession credentialed under RCW 18.130.040 with a CE requirement to adopt rules requiring completion of health equity CE training at least once every four years. This includes the genetic counselor profession.

RCW 43.70.613 (3)(b) also directed the department to create model rules establishing minimum standards for health equity CE programs. The department filed proposed rules for health equity CE minimum standards on August 23, 2022, under WSR 22-17-141. Any rules developed for genetic counselors must meet or exceed the minimum standards in the model rules found at WAC 246-12-800 through 246-12-830.

The goal of health equity CE training is to equip health care workers with the skills to recognize and reduce health inequities in their daily work. The content of the health equity trainings include instruction on skills to address structural factors, such as bias, racism, and poverty, which manifest as health inequities.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kim-Boi Shadduck, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-236-2912, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 711, email kimboi.shadduck@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Interested parties can participate in the drafting of the proposed rules for genetic counselors. The department will be conducting rules workshops with interested parties and subject matter experts. The department will use existing GovDelivery lists and other known contact information to inform interested parties of opportunities to provide input on proposed rule language. To find out more information about this rule making, visit www.doh.wa.gov. To subscribe to GovDelivery, please visit www.doh.wa.gov, and select the "Subscribe" button at the bottom of the page. Click on "Genetic Counselor Program," which can be found under "Health Professions."