WSR 97-06-018
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(Veterinary Board of Governors)
[Filed February 25, 1997, 2:19 p.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: After careful consideration, the Veterinary Board of Governors has identified the need to review their current fee structure. This review includes possibilities of adding a new fee and incorporating a change in an existing fee.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.70.040.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: RCW 43.70.250 states that the cost of each profession shall be fully borne by members of that profession. Currently, the Veterinary Board of Governors is not able to support the veterinary program within the existing revenue base. The current problems with the revenue base include the implementation of a new impairment monitoring program and increase in investigative and legal costs that were previously shared within the Department of Health. The veterinary board has identified the need to do a fee study to determine what can be done. The veterinary board understands the impact of I-601 and any fee increase would be within those limits.
Process for Developing New Rule: The veterinary board will be distributing notices of possible rule making to all actively licensed veterinarians and animal technicians in the state. Opportunities to participate in the process will be published in the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association Newsletter. The Veterinary Board of Governors chair will be appearing at the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association executive meetings to solicit input from the association. The Veterinary Board of Governors will be accepting FAX and/or mailed written comments. The Veterinary Board of Governors is committed to the participation of interested persons in this rule-writing effort.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Interested persons can contact the board to submit written comments on the rules process. Attendance of interested persons at the Veterinary Board of Governors board meetings is welcomed and encouraged. The Veterinary Board of Governors will accept comments by mail or FAX. All written comments should be sent to Traci Troutman, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47868, Olympia, WA 98504-7868, (360) 586-4566, FAX (360) 753-0657.
February 24, 1997
Traci Troutman
Program Manager