Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 69.06.010.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The 1998 legislature revised chapter 69.06 RCW. These statutory changes require the State Board of Health to develop rules establishing minimum training requirements for five-year food worker permit renewals. Other issues including limited duty permits, minimum training requirements for all food worker permits, and obsolete/unclear language may also be addressed as a result of the rule review required by Executive Order 97-02 and State Board of Health recommendations.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: There are no other state or federal agencies that regulate this subject. However, local health jurisdictions are responsible for implementing and enforcing food worker permit programs. Representatives from local health jurisdictions will be actively involved in rule development and coordination.

Process for Developing New Rule: The Food Safety Enhancement Advisory Committee (FSEAC) will advise the State Board of Health on rule development. There will be public meetings and mailings to gather input for rule development.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Bert Bartleson, Community Environmental Health, P.O. Box 47826, Olympia, WA 98504, Internet CAB0303@hub.doh.wa.gov. (360) 236-3071; or Janet Anderberg, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 700, Seattle, WA 98501-1549, Internet jla1303@hub.doh.wa.gov, (206) 464-7417; or FAX (360) 236-2251. Interested parties may join rule formation workgroups or may request to be placed on a mailing list to receive information about other comment opportunities.

June 15, 1998

Sylvia J. Beck

Executive Director