WSR 98-01-158

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Board of Nursing Home Administrators)

[Filed December 22, 1997, 3:55 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-843-070 Scheduling of examinations and reexaminations, 246-843-080 Application for examination, 248-843-100 Disqualification--Reexamination, 246-843-110 Subjects for examination, 246-843-115 Examination procedures, 246-843-120 Grading examinations, 246-843-122 Examination review procedures, 246-843-170 Temporary permits, and 246-843-230 Reciprocity.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.52.061.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The Board of Nursing Home Administrators is reconsidering the written state law examination portion of its two-part examination. Current rules should be reviewed to determine the desired approach to state law competency.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Department of Social and Health Services licenses nursing homes for operation in Washington state. There is no overlap of jurisdiction regarding examination of candidates for nursing home administrator licensure.

Process for Developing New Rule: Development of rules will include public meetings with constituency groups, citizens who are likely users of nursing home facilities, and other state agencies. Mailings will go to interested persons on the mailing list, licensed nursing home administrators and candidates for nursing home administrator license. Development of rules will include public input gathered from interested parties who attend meetings or submit written comments.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Barbara A. Hayes, Program Manager, Board of Nursing Home Administrators, P.O. Box 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869, (360) 664-3245, FAX (360) 664-0412. Public meeting on February 18, 1998, 9 a.m.-noon, Wesley Gardens Board Room, First Floor, 815 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA.

December 12, 1997

Barbara A. Hayes