Subject of Possible Rule Making: To establish an endorsement for dental assistants and dental hygienists to apply sealants and fluoride varnishes to low income, rural and at risk populations in coordination with local public health jurisdictions and local oral health coalitions through school based programs. Also, to establish an endorsement fee.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 93, Laws of 2001 (SSB 6020).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To establish the Washington state endorsement education program requirements; to define "in coordination with local health jurisdictions and local oral health coalitions"; to define "low income, rural and at risk populations"; to establish an endorsement fee for dental assistants and dental hygienists. The legislature has required the department to develop rules to address the problem of poor access to oral health care. Establishing an endorsement program will encourage the promotion of dental health.

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

     Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. A questionnaire will be mailed to all interested parties - provide in writing to Carol Lewis, Health Administrator, (360) 236-4857, or Lisa Anderson, Program Manager, (360) 236-4863, P.O. Box 47867, Olympia, WA 98504-7867, fax (360) 664-9077.

M. C. Selecky

Secretary

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