WSR 24-10-011

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed April 18, 2024, 12:56 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Substance use disorder profession (SUDP); considering updates to lower barriers to entering and remaining in the SUDP workforce and to streamline and shorten the credentialing process.

Amending chapter 246-811 WAC, and possibly repealing or creating new sections. The department of health (department) is considering rule amendments to implement legislation, including 2SHB 1724 (chapter 425, Laws of 2023); E2SHB 2247 (chapter 371, Laws of 2024); and 2SSB 6228 (chapter 366, Laws of 2024). To implement this legislation, the department will consider reducing barriers to entering and remaining in the behavioral health care workforce, measures to streamline and shorten the credentialing process, and other amendments to the chapter as appropriate. This may include: (1) Amending continuing education requirements; (2) amending requirements for approved supervisors; (3) amending education requirements that necessitate department review; (4) amending requirements for out-of-state applicants; and (5) limiting the credential application and renewal fees to $100 per year.

Additionally, pursuant to a 2022 petition, the department may consider requiring an associate degree for certification and other possible changes to how coursework is verified.

This rule making may also address other issues raised by the department, partners, or interested parties.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.205.060; 2SHB 1724 (chapter 425, Laws of 2023); E2SHB 2247 (chapter 371, Laws of 2024); and 2SSB 6228 (chapter 366, Laws of 2024).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: During the 2023 legislative session, 2SHB 1724 specifically directed the department to complete rule making to implement changes to licensure requirements to remove barriers to entering and remaining in the health care workforce and to streamline and shorten the credentialing process. Rule making is necessary to amend licensure requirements in chapter 246-811 WAC and comply with new legislation.

The department granted the 2022 petition to consider the rationale that requiring SUDPs to have a degree may assist them in future professional development.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Claire Wilson, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 564-669-0392, TTY 711, email claire.wilson@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov.

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

To subscribe to GovDelivery, please go to http://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 "Substance Use Disorder Professionals." You may check the box next to one or more of the other professions listed to receive information related to that specific profession.

April 18, 2024

Kristin Peterson, JD

Chief of Policy

for Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH

Secretary