Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department and the athletic training advisory committee are considering the addition of a new definition section to the athletic training rules. Having definitions listed in rule is necessary to implement, and based on our authority in RCW 18.250.020, the department is considering rules to clarify expectations for licensed athletic trainers. The department is considering definitions for medical diagnosis, clinical diagnosis, and any other definition that might be needed. This is necessary because the current laws restrict athletic trainers from performing medical diagnosis (RCW 18.250.010 (4)(b)(v)); however, the laws do not provide a definition for medical diagnosis. The goal of these rules is to clarify the difference between medical diagnosis and clinical diagnosis for these health care providers. Clarifying terminology in rule helps clarify practice standards while ensuring patient safety.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Bruce Bronoske, Jr., P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-4843, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 711, email bruce.bronoske@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov.

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. After signing in, please click open the box labeled "Health Systems Quality Assurance." Next, click open the box labeled "Health Professions" and then click on "Athletic Training." You may also check the box next to one or more of the other professions listed to receive information related to that specific profession.