WSR 98-21-080

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed October 21, 1998, 11:00 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amendments to correct rule on board meetings: Adoption of the National Certification Examination (NCETMB); remove references to a board administered practical exam; define process the Board of Massage uses to approve massage schools, programs and apprentice programs, possible adoption of an application fee, provision for an expiration date, definition of minimum standards for faculty or apprentice trainers, requirement for schools to administer a board approved practical exam. Other possible rules include, current CPR certification requirements as a condition for yearly renewals; practice standards; and minimum level of student supervision.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.108.025 (1) and (3).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Information on board meetings requires an address correction, and suggested text is a more permanent address. The Massage Board has adopted the NCETMB to replace the Washington state test and the proposed amendments implement that adoption. The 1995 legislature removed the requirement for the board to administer a practical examination and these amendments remove references to the practical. With the elimination of the practical exam, the Massage Board wishes to further define the process for periodic review of approved schools, programs and apprentice programs to ensure training meets standards set by the board. In the past, there have been inquiries and complaints about a lack of defined practice standards and new rules could address ethics, draping; record-keeping requirements, and any other standards that are identified.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: There are no other federal or state agencies that regulate the examination process for massage licensure. The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board of Washington reviews and approves vocational schools. The board and program have worked with and will continue to coordinate site reviews and information sharing with this state agency. Their suggestions, along with those of all interested parties, will be requested regarding proposed rule changes throughout the process of adoption.

Process for Developing New Rule: The department and the board will work with constituent members, schools, programs, and apprentice programs, and other state agencies. Rules that a consensus agree are necessary will be developed, using all public input. A mass mailing requesting comments and suggestions has been initiated to all licensees, schools, and programs. Opportunity for debate, discussion, and development will be provided and input will be reviewed and incorporated.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Please mail your written statements, suggestions, or comments in concurrence or opposition to suggested rule development to: Department of Health, Massage Program, P.O. Box 47868, Olympia, WA 98504-7868. Statements may also be faxed to (360) 664-9077. Please put "Attention: Massage Program" on the fax cover sheet. Program staff that may be contacted for information at (360) 586-6351 are: Kirby Putscher, Program Manager, Allen Spaulding, Administrative Assistant and Rob Darling, Program Representative.

October 12, 1998

K. Van Gorkom

Deputy Secretary