WSR 97-12-029

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed May 30, 1997, 2:15 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) specialties.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 18.79 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The primary impetus behind the commission's request for possible rule changes was to find a method to deal with new nurse practitioner categories not currently recognized in the ARNP rules, and to simplify regulations to allow increased flexibility for ARNPs wishing to retool (add new specialty areas or move into other practice arenas). ARNPs should be individually accountable for the documentation of his or her own level of competence and evidence for maintaining currency of knowledge, skills, and abilities. A professional portfolio, maintained by individual licensees and subject to random audit by the commission, has been suggested as a vehicle for accomplishing this task.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: The commission will work closely with the health care providers and stakeholders in developing rules. Public meetings will be held to provide opportunity for public input.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Joan Reilly, Program Manager, Nursing Education, (360) 664-4208, FAX (360) 586-2165. Mail or FAX: Washington State Nursing Commission, Attn: ARNP Rules, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504-7864, FAX (360) 586-2165.

Open Public Meeting: July 21, 1997, 12:00 noon, location to be determined.

May 21, 1997

Patty Hayes