WSR 07-14-129

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH


[ Filed July 3, 2007, 12:23 p.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 06-20-076.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Retired Volunteer Medical Workers: WAC 246-12-400 Who qualifies for an initial retired volunteer medical worker license?, 246-12-410 How to obtain an initial retired volunteer medical worker license, 246-12-420 When can you practice and what can you do?, 246-12-430 How to renew your retired volunteer medical worker license, 246-12-440 Continuing competency, and 246-12-450 How to return to active status.

     Hearing Location(s): Department of Health, Rooms 152/153, 310 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, on August 10, 2007, at 9:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: August 10, 2007.

     Submit Written Comments to: Susan Gragg, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47866, Olympia, WA 98504-7866, e-mail susan.gragg@doh.wa.gov, web site http://www3.doh.wa.gov/policyreview/, fax (360) 236-2406, by August 1, 2007.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Susan Gragg by August 1, 2007, TTY (800) 833-6388 or 711.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rules create a retired volunteer medical worker license classification; set conditions limiting when licensee may practice under this license; set requirements to obtain and renew the license and establish continuing competency requirements.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: Chapter 72, Laws of 2006 (passed as ESHB 1850 and codified as RCW 18.130.360) requires the department of health to create rules establishing enforceable standards for this new license category.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.130.050 and 18.130.360.

     Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 72, Laws of 2006.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Department of health, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Susan Gragg, 310 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, (360) 236-4941.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rules would not impose more than minor costs to businesses, if any. A copy of the statement may be obtained by contacting: Susan Gragg, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47866, Olympia, WA 98504-7866, phone (360) 236-4941, fax (360) 236-2406, e-mail susan.gragg@doh.wa.gov.

     A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Susan Gragg, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47866, Olympia, WA 98504-7866, phone (360) 236-4941, fax (360) 236-2406, e-mail susan.gragg@doh.wa.gov.

July 3, 2007

Mary C. Selecky

Secretary

OTS-9665.5

PART 12

RETIRED VOLUNTEER MEDICAL WORKERS
NEW SECTION
WAC 246-12-400   Who qualifies for an initial retired volunteer medical worker license?   (1) To be eligible for a retired volunteer medical worker license, a person must:

     (a) Have held a license issued by a disciplining authority under RCW 18.130.040 that was in active status within the ten years prior to an initial application for a retired volunteer medical worker license;

     (b) Have no restrictions on their ability to obtain an active license; and

     (c) Be currently registered as a volunteer emergency worker with a local organization for emergency services or management.

     (2) A person is not eligible for a retired volunteer medical worker license if they hold any current license issued by a disciplining authority under RCW 18.130.040.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 246-12-410   How to obtain an initial retired volunteer medical worker license.   (1) To obtain an initial retired volunteer medical worker license, a person must:

     (a) Meet the requirements in WAC 246-12-400;

     (b) Submit an application on forms approved by the secretary; and

     (c) Submit proof of current registration as a volunteer emergency worker with a local organization for emergency services or management.

     (2) There is no application fee.

     (3) The retired volunteer medical worker's initial license expires on the person's third birthday after issuance and may be renewed as provided in WAC 246-12-430.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 246-12-420   When can you practice and what can you do?   (1) A retired volunteer medical worker can practice only when:

     (a) There is a declared emergency, disaster, or authorized training event that has been given a mission number by the department of emergency management; and

     (b) The local organization for emergency services or management, or designee, has activated the retired volunteer medical worker.

     (2) A retired volunteer medical worker can only:

     (a) Work the duties assigned;

     (b) Work up to, but not exceed the scope of practice under their prior active license; and

     (c) Work under an assigned supervisor.

     (3) A health care facility is not obligated to use any retired volunteer medical worker.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 246-12-430   How to renew your retired volunteer medical worker license.   (1) To renew a retired volunteer medical worker license, you must:

     (a) Submit a written declaration stating you have met the continuing competency requirements defined in WAC 246-12-440; and

     (b) Submit proof of current registration as a volunteer with a local organization for emergency services or management.

     (2) There is no renewal fee.

     (3) A retired volunteer medical worker license must be renewed every three years.

     (4) Prior to the expiration date, courtesy renewal notices are mailed to the address on file. Practitioners should return the renewal notice when renewing their license. Failure to receive a courtesy renewal notice does not relieve or exempt the retired volunteer medical worker license renewal requirement.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 246-12-440   Continuing competency.   (1) A retired volunteer medical worker must complete the following requirements every three years to renew their license:

     (a) Basic first-aid course;

     (b) Bloodborne pathogens course; and

     (c) CPR course.

     (2) A retired volunteer medical worker must submit a signed declaration to verify they meet the continuing competency education requirements.

     (3) Local organizations for emergency services or management that register retired volunteer medical workers may require additional training, such as incident command system (ICS) or national incident management system (NIMS).

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NEW SECTION
WAC 246-12-450   How to return to active status.   A licensed retired volunteer medical worker may return to active status as provided in WAC 246-12-040.

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