Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.52C.030.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The secretary of the Department of Health is mandated to adopt rules regarding fees. In an effort to be more consistent on the late renewal penalty charged by each health care profession, a policy was adopted to standardize this fee. This amendment will reduce the late renewal penalty fee to be consistent with the policy and other health care professions.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: A letter has been sent to each nursing pool owner asking for input on the proposal to reduce the late renewal penalty fee. No negative comments were received.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Terry J. West, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 664-4207, FAX (360) 586-2165. Submit any comments by April 24, 1998.

April 20, 1998

Bruce Miyahara

Secretary