WSR 24-14-126

EXPEDITED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed July 2, 2024, 1:23 p.m.]

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Nursing fee rule housekeeping correction to totals. The department of health (department), in consultation with the Washington state board of nursing (board), is proposing amendments to WAC 246-840-990 to make a housekeeping change to correct fee total amounts.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: In January 2024, the department, in consultation with the board, adopted amendments to WAC 246-840-990. These amendments were introduced to establish the multistate nursing license fee and increase the nursing center surcharge fee as directed by SSB 5499 (chapter 123, Laws of 2023). The nursing center surcharge fee increased from five to eight dollars per year for all initial licenses and renewal licenses for registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN).

It was discovered that the fee totals for retired active and inactive licenses in WAC 246-840-990 were incorrect and did not include the increased surcharge fee. The department, in consultation with the board, is proposing further amendments to WAC 246-840-990 to correct these amounts and ensure the fee totals accurately reflect the updated surcharge fee. There is no change to the actual fees being charged; this correction only impacts a math error in the total lines.  

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The proposed amendments ensure accuracy in the nurse license fee structure. By correcting the fee totals for retired active and inactive RN and LPN licenses to include the increased nursing center surcharge, the department and board are aligning the nurse license fees with legislative directives established by SSB 5499. The proposed amendments will avoid confusion regarding the correct fee amounts, promoting transparency and clarity in the board's licensing process.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.70.110, 43.70.250, and 43.70.280.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 18.79.202.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Name of Proponent: Department of health, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Jessilyn Dagum, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 360-236-3538; Implementation: Amber Zawislak-Bielaski, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 360-236-4785; and Enforcement: Catherine Woodard, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 360-236-4757.

This notice meets the following criteria to use the expedited adoption process for these rules:

Corrects typographical errors, makes address or name changes, or clarifies language of a rule without changing its effect.

Explanation of the Reason the Agency Believes the Expedited Rule-Making Process is Appropriate: This expedited proposal is in accordance with RCW 34.05.533 (1)(c) and corrects typographical totaling errors in WAC 246-840-990.    

NOTICE

THIS RULE IS BEING PROPOSED UNDER AN EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THE AGENCY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, PREPARE A SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT, OR PROVIDE RESPONSES TO THE CRITERIA FOR A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE RULE. IF YOU OBJECT TO THIS USE OF THE EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS, YOU MUST EXPRESS YOUR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING AND THEY MUST BE SENT TO Jessilyn Dagum, Department of Health, Washington State Board of Nursing, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504-7866, phone 360-236-3538, fax 360-236-4738, email WABONRules@doh.wa.gov, HSQAFeeRules@doh.wa.gov, AND RECEIVED BY midnight on September 3, 2024.

July 2, 2024

Todd Mountin, PMP

Deputy Chief of Policy

for Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH

Secretary

OTS-5474.1