Subject of Possible Rule Making: Review of initial license and endorsement requirements for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The board of physical therapy (board) is considering amendments to the following rules to update initial licensure and endorsement requirements in consideration of 2SHB 1724, (chapter 425, Laws of 2023): WAC 246-915-030 Examination, 246-915-039 Initial eligibility and application requirements, 246-915-040 Licensure by endorsement, 246-915-085 Continuing competency, and 246-915-120 Foreign educated applicants. The board will also consider making general updates to the licensing and endorsement process, examine the jurisprudence examination requirement, and review for housekeeping changes.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Section 8 of 2SHB 1724 requires boards and commissions to waive any examination requirements in an effort to expedite the licensing process for applicants who meet the requirements under 2SHB 1724. The board will review the initial licensure and endorsement requirements to bring them into alignment with 2SHB 1724, and review the current license requirements for consistency and relevancy. The board will consider additional housekeeping updates.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Allyson McIver, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7582 [7852], phone 360-236-2878, TTY 711, email physical.therapy@doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Interested parties can participate in the drafting of the proposed rules. The board will be conducting rules workshops with interested parties and subject matter experts. The board 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 for rule-making notices, please visit www.doh.wa.gov, select the "Sign up for Updates from DOH" button at the bottom of the page, select "Health Professions," and then "Physical Therapy Program." You may also check the box next to one or more of the other professions listed to receive information related to that specific profession.