WSR 14-15-045 PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH [Filed July 10, 2014, 4:36 p.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-320 WAC, Hospital licensing regulations (construction standards only). The department of health is considering amending the hospital licensing regulations to align with current federal and national construction standards.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 70.41.030 and C.F.R. 2005, Title 42, Vol. 3, Sec. 482.41.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of health is considering aligning the construction requirements of chapter 246-320 WAC with current federal and national construction standards, so as to comply with RCW 70.41.030. Adopting current standards would allow facilities to take advantage of newer construction methods. This change also provides the opportunity to be consistent with current federal standards that are vital to the health and safety of hospital patients and staff.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services' (CMS) guidelines regulate this subject in part. The department of health (department) will closely coordinate with CMS, national code writing bodies, and the state building code council to adopt current federal safety standards as part of the department's continuing involvement with construction code development.
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. Interested parties may participate in the development of draft rules prior to a formal proposal by joining the board's listserv, attending workshops, and providing input on draft and proposed materials. Interested parties can receive information on how to participate by contacting John Williams, Program Manager, Community Health Systems, P.O. Box 47852, 111 Israel Road S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7852, or by e-mail john.williams@doh.wa.gov, phone (360) 236-2944, fax (360) 236-2321.
July 10, 2014
John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH
Secretary of Health
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