WSR 23-17-070

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed August 14, 2023, 3:26 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Creating licenses for organ transplant services and vehicles. The department of health (department) is considering rule making in response to new legislative requirements under SHB 1271 (chapter 290, Laws of 2023) regarding organ transport vehicles. New sections of chapter 246-976 WAC may be added as required.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.70.040, 18.73.081; SHB 1271 (chapter 290, Laws of 2023).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: As directed by SHB 1271 Organ transport vehicles, the department must establish minimum standards for organ transport vehicles and equipment. Additionally, the legislation requires the department to issue a license to organ transport services. The department is considering rules to establish minimum standards for the issuance of a license for organ transport services.

By establishing rule, the department will satisfy the requirements of SHB 1271 Organ transport vehicles. The department will be able to enforce minimum standards through the effect of rule.

It is anticipated that the rule making will ensure regulations and standards are clear, concise, and reflect current standards and best practices for organ transport vehicles and services for the benefit and safety of the public.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Washington state department of licensing (DOL). The department is required to issue organ transport vehicle licenses and organ transport service licenses in consultation with DOL. The department will collaborate with DOL in rule making and establish standards and processes in agreement with DOL.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jason Norris, P.O. Box 47853, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-236-2851, fax 360-236-2830, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email Jason.Norris@doh.wa.gov, website https://doh.wa.gov; or Jill Hayes, P.O. Box 47853, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-236-2838, fax 360-236-2830, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email jill.hayes@doh.wa.gov, website https://doh.wa.gov.

August 14, 2023

Kristin Peterson, JD

Chief of Policy

for Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH

Secretary