WSR 23-13-041

POLICY STATEMENT

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed June 12, 2023, 6:06 p.m.]

This memo serves as notice that the board of optometry (board) is rescinding policy statement OB 20-01.1 Continuing Education Requirements During the COVID-19 Response. The statement was originally filed on May 20, 2020, as WSR 20-11-068 and amended February 23, 2023, as WSR 23-06-036.

During the declared COVID-19 emergency, the policy statement allowed licensees unrestricted use of remote study or self-directed study methods to accrue up to the required total 50 hours of continuing education every two years. After May 11, 2023, those requirements return to a maximum of 10 hours of remote study and a maximum of 25 hours of self-directed study [of] continuing education may count towards the total 50 hours, as described in WAC 246-851-125 and 246-851-170.

The board officially determined the policy statement be rescinded on May 11, 2023, at its March 10, 2023, business meeting. The policy statement was effective for the duration of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) federal declared emergency. The board is rescinding the policy statement because of the end of the federal state of emergency as of May 11, 2023, and a determination that optometrists again have adequate access to acceptable continuing education.

Individuals requiring information on this rule should contact Kristina Bell, program manager, at 360-236-484, kristina.bell@doh.wa.gov.

Tami M. Thompson

Regulatory Affairs Manager