Subject of Possible Rule Making: Public records; the department of health (department) is considering creating a new chapter within Title 246 WAC regarding public records. The department is considering amending and relocating its existing public records rules in chapter 246-08 WAC and adopting new rules as necessary. Changes under consideration are a result of changes in statutes, changes in internal operations, staffing reorganization, and an effort to provide clear, concise, and reasonable rules.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering creating a new chapter within Title 246 WAC for public records. The department is also considering revising its existing rules regarding public records in chapter 246-08 WAC and relocating them into this new chapter. The department's public records rules have not been reviewed for potential changes in over 15 years. Changes in state law and internal department processes require necessary amendments to update and clarify the existing rules.

The original CR-101, filed as WSR 23-15-012 on July 6, 2023, will be withdrawn and replaced with this new CR-101. The work under the original CR-101 will be continued under this new CR-101 which involves review and, as appropriate, consideration of updates to better reflect current department practices and align with changes in the law regarding public records.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Melanee Auldredge, Public Disclosure Manager, P.O. Box 47825 Olympia, WA 98504-7825, phone 360-819-6768, TTY 711, email melanee.auldredge@doh.wa.gov, website https://doh.wa.gov/about-us/public-records.