Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (department) is planning to amend WAC 388-71-0523, 388-71-0839, 388-71-0880, 388-71-0888, 388-71-0971, 388-71-0977, 388-71-0991, 388-71-1001, 388-115-0523, and to repeal 388-71-0990. The purpose of these changes include: Compliance with SB 5811 passed during the 2024 legislative session, clarification of continuing education requirements related to the date of hire, acknowledgment of the interstate nurse licensure compact related to training requirements, and combining WAC 388-71-0990 and 388-71-0991 into a single section.

Other changes necessary for implementation of SB 5811 and changes and corrections related to numerical representation, consistency, and inclusive language may also be included.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.88B.010, 18.88B.041, 74.08.090, 74.39A.076, 74.39A.341; and chapter 18.80 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Changes to law related to training and continuing education affect all long-term care workers. Rules must be changed in response to, and in compliance with, the new laws including SB 5811 and the interstate nurse licensure compact. Other edits related to clarity, grammar, and consistency are also included along with the combining of two very similar sections.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative. The department invites interested parties to review and provide input on the draft language of this rule. Draft material and information about how to participate may be obtained from the department representative listed below.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Dave Chappell, Program Manager, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-725-2516, email david.chappell@dshs.wa.gov.