Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-808-201 and 246-808-215. The chiropractic quality assurance commission (commission) is considering adopting health equity continuing education (CE) model rules, WAC 246-12-800 through 246-12-830, to comply with RCW 43.70.613 for chiropractic X-ray technicians. The commission will also be evaluating credentialing requirements for chiropractic X-ray technicians including, but not limited to: The number of hours of training required, the format in which those hours are obtained, the content of the training, and who can provide the training. The commission is also considering amending requirements for X-ray technicians whose credentials have expired and administrative updates to better align the rule with current standards.

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 of health (department) to create model rules establishing minimum standards for health equity CE programs. The department adopted health equity CE minimum standards on November 23, 2022, under WSR 22-23-167. Any rules developed by the commission must meet or exceed the minimum standards in the model rules found at WAC 246-12-800 through 246-12-830.

It is the purpose of the commission under chapter 18.25 RCW to regulate the competency and quality of professional health care providers under its jurisdiction by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing consistent standards of practice and discipline, and those rules, policies, and procedures developed by the commission must promote the delivery of quality health care to the residents of the state. RCW 18.25.180(2) allows the commission to adopt rules necessary and appropriate to carry out the regulation of chiropractic X-ray technicians. It is necessary to evaluate the credentialing requirements for chiropractic X-ray technicians to provide clarity and better align the rule with current standards.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Betty J. Moe, Regulatory Analyst, P.O. Box 47857, Olympia, WA 98504-7857, phone 360-236-2868, TTY 711, email Betty.Moe@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/chiropractor-chiropractic-x-ray-technician.

Additional comments: Interested parties can participate in the drafting of the proposed rules. The commission will be conducting rules workshops with interested parties and subject matter experts. The commission 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, select the "Subscribe" button at the bottom of the page, and then select "Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission."