Subject of Possible Rule Making: Streamlining occupational therapy licensure and endorsement. The occupational therapy practice board (board) is considering updates to reduce barriers to enter and remain in the occupational therapy (OT) workforce and streamline and shorten the credentialing process. The board is also considering amendments to the chapter to address concerns raised by interested parties. The board will consider amending chapter 246-847 WAC, and possibly repealing or creating new sections.

The board is considering rule amendments to implement 2SHB 1724 (chapter 425, Laws of 2023) for the following: WAC 246-847-080 Examinations, 246-847-125 Applicants currently licensed in other states or territories, 246-847-051 Military equivalence, 246-847-068 Expired license, and 246-847-070 Inactive credential. To align rules with this legislation, the board will consider: (1) Reducing or removing barriers to entering and remaining in the occupational therapy care workforce, (2) measures to streamline and shorten the credentialing process, and (3) other amendments to the chapter as appropriate. Additionally, the board will consider amendments to WAC 246-847-065 (continuing education requirements) to align with the national certifying board and WAC 246-847-170 (code of ethics and standards of professional conduct) to ensure care is done ethically and professionally.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Section 8 of 2SHB 1724 directs boards and commissions to waive certain requirements to licensure for specific types of applicants. The intent of the bill was to change licensure requirements to remove barriers to entering and remaining in the health care workforce, and to streamline and shorten the credentialing process. Rule making may be necessary to amend licensure requirements to align with the new legislation. Additionally, the board consistently receives inquiries on whether an OT can work off the evaluation of another profession such as a physical therapist. The board is considering adding rule language that makes it clear that an OT must complete their own evaluation of the client, and will consider adding language that aligns continued competency rules with the national certifying board.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kathy Weed, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-4883, TTY 711, email kathy.weed@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov, https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new.

Additional comments: Interested parties can participate in drafting the proposed rules. The board will be conducting rules workshops with interested parties and subject matter experts. The board will use the GovDelivery occupational therapy practice board list to inform interested parties of opportunities to provide input on proposed rule language.

To subscribe to GovDelivery, please go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new. After signing in, please click open the box labeled "Health Systems Quality Assurance." Next, click open the box labeled "Health Professions" and then click on "occupational therapy practice board." You may also check the box next to one or more of the other professions listed to receive information related to that specific profession.