Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.79.300 Department--Rules for administration.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The renewal cycle for registered nurses and practical nurses is currently annual. The renewal cycle for registered nurses who also are advanced registered nurse practitioners is currently two years. This proposed change to a two-year renewal cycle for all nurses would alleviate the confusion and make it easier for the nurses regarding renewals. The current renewal fee of $50 per year will change to $100 every two years. Licensees will still pay the same amount, but will pay it every two years, rather than annually.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: During the public involvement process on changing the administrative rules to comply with chapter 246-12 WAC, the Department of Health staff received a lot of public input requesting that the renewal cycle be changed from one year to two years. In the process of changing the nursing fees, the commission received additional input from nurses requesting this change. An article will appear in the June 1998 newsletter to all nurses with a survey of whether they are in support or opposed to a change to a two-year renewal cycle. Public meetings will be held May 26 and 27, 1998, for people to comment on this proposal. A notice will be sent to the interested persons mailing list.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Terry J. West, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504-7864, phone (360) 664-4207, FAX (360) 586-2165.

April 30, 1998

Bruce Miyahara

Secretary