WSR 23-17-027

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed August 8, 2023, 11:14 a.m.]

The Washington state board of nursing (board), formally known as the nursing care quality assurance commission, is filing a notice of hearing per the direction of the joint administrative rules review committee (JARRC) pursuant to RCW 34.05.630(3) regarding practical and registered nursing in chapter 246-840 WAC.

On July 5, 2023, JARRC found by majority vote that by requiring a "graduate degree" to be a masters or doctoral degree and adopting exemptions to WAC 246-840-340 and 246-840-342 by agency procedure, the board is using a policy in place of a rule that has not been adopted in accordance with all applicable provisions of law.

On July 14, 2023, the board received a letter of determination from JARRC recommending that the board: (1) Define the term "graduate degree" in chapter 246-840 WAC; and (2) provide for the exemptions to education requirements for advanced registered nurse practitioner license applicants in board procedures B35.01 and B9.06 by rule.

The board will hold a public hearing at the board's September 7, 2023, business meeting to fully consider all written and oral submissions regarding the July 5, 2023, JARRC finding. The board will notify the JARRC of its intended actions in writing within seven days of the hearing based on its review of written and oral comment.

Interested parties may provide the board with public comment regarding whether the agency is using a policy or its equivalent in place of a rule by giving oral testimony at the hearing or by submitting written comments.

Submit written comments through August 23, 2023, via email NCQAC.Rules@doh.wa.gov; or U.S. Mail at Washington State Board of Nursing, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504.

The rule hearing is scheduled for September 7, 2023, at 1:15 p.m. Both in-person and virtual attendance options are available for this meeting.

Attend the rules hearing in-person at Spokane Convention Center, 334 West Spokane Falls Boulevard, Room 302AB, Spokane, WA 99201.

Attend the rules hearing virtually online using the Zoom application at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItcOuhrj0sGNOKO_r1TOk5DGjNdJhe_78V.

For assistance for persons needing accommodations, or if you have any questions, please contact policy analyst, Jessilyn Dagum, at 360-236-3538, jessilyn.dagum@doh.wa.gov or TTY 711.

Alison Bradywood DNP, MN/MPH, RN, NEA-BC

Executive Director

Washington State Board of Nursing