WSR 97-22-023

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed October 29, 1997, 10:19 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-834-990 Midwifery fees, this rule describes fees for licensed midwives. The department is considering raising or lowering these fees according to an updated fee study. These proposed changes would also take into consideration that the department is adopting a national examination and will use a state add-on examination.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 18.50 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Washington state law requires that all licensure programs be self-sufficient and not carry a deficit. The midwifery program has carried a deficit for at least four years. An increase in some fees would help to eliminate this deficit. In addition, new categories of fees are needed to administer the national and state add-on examination.

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 Department of Health will use a fee study which takes into account current workload, the existing deficit and anticipated workload and expenses for the upcoming biennium. Fees will be raised or lowered according to this study.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Written comments may be submitted to Department of Health, Midwifery Program, Attn: Kendra Pitzler, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504-7864. Faxes may be sent to (360) 586-2165.

October 29, 1997

Bruce Miyahara