WSR 98-19-089
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
[Filed September 23, 1998, 8:08 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Reporting of HIV infection by health care providers and laboratories.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 70.24.125 and 70.24.130.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: With therapy that delays the progression of AIDS-related illnesses and death, HIV infection is becoming a complex clinical disease that does not lend itself to monitoring or disease control based only on the report of end-stage illnesses (AIDS). A system of HIV surveillance would improve understanding of the epidemic, help target prevention and public health services, provide a link to health and social services, and result in better allocation of resources. To develop a set of rules that promotes the protection of both public health and individual citizens.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state or federal agencies regulate this subject. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidance, recommendations, standards and funding for AIDS and HIV infection reporting. Recommendations and standards issued by the CDC will be considered in the proposed rules.
Process for Developing New Rule: Public input on rules for HIV infection reporting has been received through public meetings of the Governor's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (GACHA), through staff meeting with community advocates, and meetings with local public health officials. GACHA and the regional AIDSNETS have prepared recommendations regarding the form of HIV reporting. With an eye to beginning initial development of a State Board of Health position, the board has and will be receiving briefings on the need for an HIV reporting system. The board will seek proposals, data and science from all interested parties. From this, the board will select the sound and best information and formulate a scientifically and socially coherent solution.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting John F. Peppert, Acting Director, Infectious Disease and Reproductive Health, P.O. Box 47844, Olympia, WA 98504-7844, (360) 236-3427 (voice), (360) 236-3400 (fax), jfp0303@doh.wa.gov (e-mail), or Mark Charonis, HIV/AIDS Surveillance Coordinator, P.O. Box 47838, Olympia, WA 98504-7838, (360) 236-3419 (voice), (360) 586-5440 (fax), mjc1303@doh.wa.gov (e-mail). On October 14, 1998, the State Board of Health invites presentations on HIV reporting; on December 9, 1998, the State Board of Health briefing regarding proposed rule; and on January 13, 1999, public hearing/State Board of Health meeting.
September 22, 1998
Sylvia I. Beck
Executive Director