PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amend WAC 246-841-400 Standards of practice, 246-841-410 Purpose of review and approval of certified nursing assistant training programs, 246-841-420 Requirements for nursing assistant education, 246-841-430 Denial of approval or withdrawal of approval for programs for which the board is approving authority, 246-841-440 - 246-841-460 Reinstatement of approval, appeal of board decisions, closing of an approved nursing assistant training program, 246-841-470 - 246-841-500 Program directors and instructors in approved training programs, students in approved training, core curriculum, physical resources for education programs, and 246-841-510 Administrative procedures for approved nursing assistant training programs.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 18.88A RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: During a mandatory rules review process these rules were identified as needing amendments. Some of the definitions need to be amended to be more clear and concise regarding competencies and minimum expectations of nursing assistants. Revisions and amendments are needed because of changes in the structure of the regulatory authority and the health care delivery system. Reformatting and rewriting the existing rules would allow for greater clarity and understanding.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Department of Social and Health Services has a role in training for certification of nursing assistants and registration to maintain compliance with the federal government via Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA) rules.
Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making, public meetings with stakeholder groups to review these rules. Most all of the rules will need some degree of revision to reflect in part, changes in the structure of the regulatory authority and to improve alignment between the standards of practice for the licensee and the health care delivery system(s).
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jeanne E. Vincent, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 236-4725, fax (360) 236-4738.
December 29, 1999
Paula R. Meyer
Executive Director