WSR 12-17-137

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH


(Board of Psychology)

[ Filed August 21, 2012, 3:53 p.m. ]

     Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-924 WAC, Psychology, amend exsisting [existing] rules to identify training experience requirements for suicide assessment, treatment and management. ESHB 2366 (chapter 181, Laws of 2012) requires that the continuing education/educational requirements be adopted in rule.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 43.70 RCW as amended by ESHB 2366 (chapter 181, Laws of 2012).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: ESHB 2366 (chapter 181, Laws of 2012) directs the examining board of psychology (board) to adopt rules to implement continuing education and training requirements for psychologists. The bill directs the board to clarify the required number of training hours and continuing education topics. The bill also authorizes the board to exempt a practitioner from the requirements based upon specific minimum training and experience requirements.

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

     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 by contacting Betty Moe, Program Manager, Department of Health, Health Professions and Facilities, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4912, e-mail Betty.Moe@doh.wa.gov. Stakeholders will be notified of open public workshops and may submit written comments for consideration. Notifications will be sent through the psychology listserv. Information will also be posted to the program's web site.

August 21, 2012

Christine Guzzardo, Ph.D., Chair

Examining Board of Psychology