Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) fees and renewal cycle. The department of health (department), in consultation with the board of hearing and speech, is proposing new WAC 246-828-991 to implement HB 1001 (chapter 53, Laws of 2023). HB 1001 entered Washington into the ASLP-IC interstate licensure compact for audiologists and speech-language pathologists and gives member states the discretion to charge a fee for granting compact privileges. The proposed rule specifies the fees and renewal cycle for compact practice privileges in Washington state.

Hearing Location(s): On May 2, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., at the Washington State Department of Health, 111 Israel Road S.E., Town Center 2, Room 166, Tumwater, WA 98501; or virtually. Register in advance for this webinar https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BgJzo2V7TMOAyF8YGUg2LA. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Submit Written Comments to: Kim-Boi Shadduck, Program Manager, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, email https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview, fax 360-236-2901, by May 2, 2024.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Kim-Boi Shadduck, program manager, phone 360-236-2912, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 711, email kimboi.shadduck@doh.wa.gov, by April 18, 2024.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: HB 1001, codified in chapter 18.35A RCW, entered Washington state into the ASLP-IC interstate compact for audiologists and speech-language pathologists. The ASLP-IC is a formal agreement enacted into law among participating states. The ASLP-IC allows member states to grant practice privileges to licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists from other states with the purpose of improving public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services. Under the ASLP-IC, audiologists and speech-language pathologists who live outside of Washington state but wish to practice in Washington may obtain privilege to practice in Washington or any other participating member state.

RCW 18.35A.030(10) allows the state of Washington to collect fees for granting the compact privilege of practicing in the state. The purpose of the proposed rule is to set a fee and renewal cycle for granting the practice privilege in Washington through the compact.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The proposed rule supports the ASLP-IC by setting fees and a renewal cycle for compact privileges in Washington state. RCW 43.70.250 requires that the costs of each professional licensing program be fully borne by members of that profession. The office of financial management also requires professions to maintain a reasonable cash reserve to cover fluctuations in cash flow and operating expenses. The proposed rule is needed to ensure the department is in line with RCW 43.70.250, and to ensure that there is sufficient funding to recover the costs of issuing a license for compact privileges in Washington state.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Kim-Boi Shadduck, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 360-236-2912.

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. As defined in RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(vi), the department has determined that no significant analysis is required because the rule sets fees.

Is exempt under RCW 19.85.025(3) as the rules set or adjust fees under the authority of RCW 19.02.075 or that set or adjust fees or rates pursuant to legislative standards, including fees set or adjusted under the authority of RCW 19.80.045.

(1) The compact privilege must be renewed no later than the expiration date of the home state license. The compact privilege holder must comply with all audiology and speech-language pathology interstate compact eligibility requirements in chapter 18.35A RCW to maintain the compact privilege.

(2) The following nonrefundable fees will be charged:

Title of Fee	Fee
Application - Original license	$80.00
Compact renewal	$80.00