Subject of Possible Rule Making: Hearing and speech; implementing legislation, removing barriers to licensure, and providing clarification. The board of hearing and speech (board) is considering amendments to the following WAC sections to implement 2SHB 1724, (chapter 425, Laws of 2023): WAC 246-828-020 Examinations, 246-828-510 Continuing education, and 246-828-617 Requirements for speech-language pathology assistant certification. The board may also consider making related updates or new sections to clarify and streamline licensure in chapter 246-828 WAC.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Section 8 of 2SHB 1724 directed all disciplining authorities for licensed professionals to waive certain requirements for licensure for specific types of applicants. The intent of the bill was to make disciplining authorities review and adjust 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 section 8 of 2SHB 1724. Additionally, the board will consider clarifying rule language on the speech-language assistant certification requirements in WAC 246-828-617 to address confusion about the education and experience needed to get the certification.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kim-Boi Shadduck, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-2912, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 711, email kimboi.shadduck@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov.

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 board of hearing and speech list to inform interested parties of opportunities to provide input on proposed rule language.

To receive notices, 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 Systems Quality Assurance." Next, click open the box labeled "Health Professions" and then check "Board of Hearing and Speech." You may also check the box next to one or more of the other professions or facilities listed to received information related to that specific topic.