Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-851 WAC, Optometrists. The board of optometry (board) is considering adopting the health equity continuing education (CE) model rules, WAC 246-12-800 through 246-12-830, to comply with RCW 43.70.613 as amended by ESSB 5229 (chapter 276, Laws of 2021). The board will also consider whether additional CE hours and course topics should be included.

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.

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 by the board 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 Loralei Walker, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-236-4947, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 711, email Loralei.walker@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov/optometrist.

Additional comments: Interested parties can participate in the drafting of the proposed rules. 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 our 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.