AH

WSR 97-15-097

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed July 21, 1997, 10:15 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-828-510, these proposed rule amendments relate to the hearing instrument fitter/dispenser, audiologists and speech-language pathologist's continuing education requirements.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.35.090.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Amendments to WAC 246-828-510 regarding continuing education. This effort will implement the option of mandated continuing education requirements to be met by licensees and certificate holders as a condition for renewal. The proposed amendments would make minor changes to the subject areas currently required for hearing instrument fitter/dispensers and create continuing education requirements for the newly certified professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.

Process for Developing New Rule: The program will work closely with the professions in developing rules. Three public workgroups were held to provide an opportunity for input. The meetings were held in Seattle, Spokane, and Yakima. The program promoted participation from state wide school districts who employ speech-language pathologists and audiologists; the University of Washington, Washington State University and Western Washington University, hospitals and clinics throughout the state and professional associations for hearing instrument fitter/dispensers, speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Further input has been requested from individuals who attended the public workgroups. From these efforts draft language will be developed and shared for ongoing direction from interested persons.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Diane Young, Program Manager, Board of Hearing and Speech, 1300 Quince Street, P.O. Box 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869, (360) 753-1817, FAX (360) 586-7840.

July 17, 1997

Bruce Miyahara