Subject of Possible Rule Making: Clarifying "culturally congruent care" in chapter 246-835 WAC, Birth doula. The department of health (department) is considering amendments to WAC 246-835-010 Definitions, and 246-835-025 Culturally congruent ancestral practices, training, and education, to clarify the definition of "culturally congruent care" and to ensure education and training requirements related to "culturally congruent care" are clear.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering amendments to address concerns expressed by the Doulas For All Coalition and other interested parties regarding the definition of "culturally congruent care" and the use of the term in WAC 246-835-025. The department also received a petition request in February of 2024 requesting that the department update the definition of "culturally congruent care." Amending WAC 246-835-025 and the definition of "culturally congruent care" could address concerns raised by interested parties by clarifying the practice of "culturally congruent care" and the required competencies for a birth doula seeking state 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, 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, https//public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new [https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new].

Additional comments: Interested parties can participate in the drafting of the proposed rules. The department will be conducting rules workshops with the interested parties. Rule-making notices will be delivered via the GovDelivery list. 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 Professions" and then check "Birth Doula." 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.