Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-980-100 Examination and reexamination for home care aide certification, in chapter 246-980 WAC, Home care aide rules. The department of health (department) is considering amending WAC 246-980-100 to: (1) Update the home care aide examination process; (2) consider whether the examination must be completed within a certain time period after completing training; and (3) address any other issues identified by the department or interested parties. The department also may consider changes to streamline or clarify the rules as appropriate.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering amending WAC 246-980-100 to update examination requirements, update language to align with contractor procedures, and streamline the process where possible.

Additionally, the department is considering how soon after training an applicant must complete the examination. Currently, the rule requires an applicant to complete the examination within two years of completing training. While historically this amount of time has not been problematic, more recently it has contributed to process backlogs. The department plans to discuss this issue with the department of social and health services (DSHS), the regulated community, and other interested parties to balance administrative processes with the health of the profession and the safety of clients and their families.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: DSHS shares regulatory authority over home care aides with the department. The department and DSHS are coordinating closely with each other and other interested parties to ensure proposed rules align, meet the needs of the profession, and protect clients and their families.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Stacey Saunders, P.O. Box 47850, Olympia, WA 98504-7850, phone 360-236-2813, TTY 711, email stacey.saunders@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: All rule-making notices will be mailed via GovDelivery. To receive notices, interested persons may sign up by going to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new. After signing up, please click open the box labeled "Health Systems Quality Assurance." Next, click open the box labeled "Health Professions," then check the box next to "Home Care Aides."