(1) The secretary may approve an exemption from this chapter for an individual who has completed a somatic education and training program that has a professional organization with a permanent administrative location that oversees the practice of somatic education and training and that has the following:

(a) Standards of practice;

(b) A training accreditation process;

(c) An instructor certification process;

(d) A therapist certification process; and

(e) A code of ethics or code of professional conduct.

(2) An authorized representative must submit a request for approval of a program on forms provided by the secretary.

(3) The secretary in consultation with the board will evaluate the education and training program and grant approval or denial. If denied, applicants will be given the opportunity to appeal through the brief adjudicative hearing process as authorized in chapter 246-10 WAC.

(4) The secretary may request from an approved education and training program, and the program must provide, updated information every three years to ensure the program's compliance with this rule. Approval may be withdrawn if the program fails to maintain the requirements of this rule. Where a determination has been made that the program no longer meets the requirements of this rule and a decision is made to withdraw approval, an approved program may appeal through the brief adjudicative proceeding as authorized in chapter 246-10 WAC.

(5) Organizations representing multiple training programs such as the International Alliance of Healthcare Educators, must obtain an exemption for each training program to ensure clarity regarding what is and is not exempt as a somatic education program.