Effective Date of Rule: December 17, 2009.

     Purpose: WAC 246-12-050, the rule provides for a temporary practice permit to be issued to an otherwise qualified applicant for a profession listed in RCW 18.130.040 (2)(a) if a fingerprint-based national background check must be conducted. The licensing delays caused by the national background check has affected the public's access to health care. The permanent rule will replace the emergency rule adopted September 1, 2009.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.130.064, 18.130.075.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 09-19-116 on September 22, 2009.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: November 12, 2009.

Mary C. Selecky

Secretary

OTS-2618.2

NEW SECTION
WAC 246-12-050   How to obtain a temporary practice permit.   Fingerprint-based national background checks may cause a delay in licensing. Individuals who satisfy all other licensing requirements and qualifications may receive a temporary practice permit while the national background check is completed. This section applies to any profession listed in RCW 18.130.040 (2)(a) that does not currently issue a temporary practice permit under the profession's specific statute or rule, unless the profession prohibits temporary practice permits by statute or rule.

     (1) A temporary practice permit may be issued to an applicant who:

     (a) Holds an unrestricted, active license in another state that has substantially equivalent licensing standards for the same profession to those in Washington;

     (b) Is not subject to denial of a license or issuance of a conditional or restricted license; and

     (c) Does not have a criminal record in Washington.

     (2) A temporary practice permit grants the individual the full scope of practice for the profession.

     (3) A temporary practice permit will not be renewed, reissued, or extended. A temporary practice permit expires when any one of the following occurs:

     (a) The license is granted;

     (b) A notice of decision on application is mailed to the applicant, unless the notice of decision on application specifically extends the duration of the temporary practice permit; or

     (c) One hundred eighty days after the temporary practice permit is issued.

     (4) To receive a temporary practice permit, the applicant must:

     (a) Submit the necessary application, fee(s), and documentation for the license.

     (b) Meet all requirements and qualifications for the license, except the results from a fingerprint-based national background check, if required.

     (c) Provide verification of having an active unrestricted license in the same profession from another state that has substantially equivalent licensing standards for the profession in Washington.

     (d) Submit the fingerprint card and a written request for a temporary practice permit when the department notifies the applicant the national background check is required.

[]

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office