WSR 97-15-098

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

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

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 18.35 RCW (1996) created the certification of audiologists and speech-language pathologists. The proposed rules relate to standards of care relating to audiologists and speech-language pathologists.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.35.161 (3) and (10).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rules are needed to provide guidance to certified audiologists and speech-language pathologists regarding the expected and recognized minimum standards of practice.

Process for Developing New Rule: The program will work closely with the profession in developing rules. Three public workgroups were held to provide an opportunity for public 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 speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Further input has been requested from members of the public 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 9, 1997

Delores E. Spice

Executive Director