WSR 98-19-090
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
[Filed September 23, 1998, 8:09 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: In 1997, SHB 1875 added the following exemption to licensure under the massage therapy law, RCW 18.108.050: "Individuals who have completed a somatic education training program approved by the secretary." Rules need to be developed addressing the approval of somatic education training programs.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 18.108 RCW, Massage therapy.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To develop criteria for the approval of somatic education programs ensuring practitioners have training required to practice in Washington.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other agencies regulate somatic educators.
Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making, public forums will be conducted throughout the state soliciting input and recommended language from somatic educators.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Gail Zimmerman, Executive Director, Health Unit Three, P.O. Box 47868, Olympia, WA 98504-7867, phone (360) 753-2461, fax (360) 753-0657, or Kirby Putscher, Program Manager, Board of Massage, P.O. Box 47868, Olympia, WA 98504-7868, (360) 664-8091, fax (360) 664-9077.
September 21, 1998
Patty Hayes
for Kris Van Gorkom
Deputy Secretary