Subject of Possible Rule Making: Substance abuse monitoring program for nursing professions; amending WAC 246-840-750 through 246-840-780, and potential new rules in chapter 246-840 WAC. The Washington state board of nursing (board) is considering amendments to current rule sections relating to the board's substance use disorder (SUD) monitoring program in response to SHB 1255 Nursing—Substance use disorder monitoring program participation (chapter 141, Laws of 2023). The board is also considering creating new rule sections to establish a stipend program as directed by SHB 1255.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: SHB 1255 (chapter 141, Laws of 2023); RCW 18.79.010 and 18.79.110.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The board, formerly known as the nursing care quality assurance commission, is considering amendments to current rule sections relating to the board's SUD monitoring and treatment program in response to SHB 1255. The board is also considering creating new rule sections to establish a stipend program, as directed by SHB 1255, to defray the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by nurses in connection with participation in the board's approved SUD monitoring program authorized by RCW 18.130.175.

On May 12, 2023, the board voted to initiate the rule-making process to fulfill the purposes of SHB 1255. Rules are necessary to comply with SHB 1255 and the rule-making process will provide the opportunity for interested party engagement, rule clarification, and possible amendments to address any identified concerns.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jessilyn Dagum, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504-7864, phone 360-236-3538, fax 360-236-4738, TTY 711, email NCQAC.Rules@doh.wa.gov, website www.nursing.wa.gov.

Additional comments: The board will notify interested parties of rule making by posting information on the department of health website, the board website, and by use of GovDelivery. Interested parties may sign up to receive board rule-making notices at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new. The board will hold virtual meetings at varying times to encourage participation.