Subject of Possible Rule Making: Genetic counselor; removing licensure barriers and updates to align rules with recent legislation. The department of health (department) is considering amendments to genetic counselor licensure requirements in WAC 246-825-080 Licensure by endorsement, to comply with 2SHB 1724 (chapter 425, Laws of 2023).

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.290.020; and 2SHB 1724, (chapter 425, Laws of 2023).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Section 8 of 2SHB 1724 directs all disciplining authorities for licensed professionals to waive education, training, experience, and exam requirements for applicants who have been credentialed in another state or states with substantially equivalent standards for at least two years immediately preceding their application with no interruption in licensure for longer than 90 days.

The intent of the bill is 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 in WAC 246-825-080 to align with section 8 of 2SHB 1724.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

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, Office of Health Professions, 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 the drafting of the proposed rules. The department will be conducting rules workshops with the interested parties and subject matter experts. The department will use the GovDelivery genetic counselors program 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 Professions" and then check "Genetic Counselors Program." You may also check the box next to one or more of the other professions or facilities listed to receive information related to that specific topic.