WSR 98-01-161

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Board of Nursing Home Administrators)

[Filed December 22, 1997, 3:58 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-843-200 Standards of suitability and character and 246-843-205 Standards of conduct.

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: Rule may be in conflict with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding physical or mental impairment. Letters of recommendation are subjective. Standards of conduct should be reviewed to determine clarity and effectiveness. Executive Order 97-02 requires review of rules to improve effectiveness and fairness.

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

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, phone (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 10, 1997

Barbara A. Hayes