WSR 98-21-081

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed October 21, 1998, 11:01 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Reactivation of a midwifery license after it has lapsed for a period longer than three years. This rule would describe the continuing education or other standards required to reapply for a midwifery license if it had lapsed for a period of three years or more.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.122.140.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: RCW 18.50.102 at one time allowed the secretary to determine if examination would be required for reactivation of a license which had been lapsed three years or more. This was removed by 1996 legislation, which allowed the secretary to develop uniform rules for licensure and renewal across all health care professions. The rules developed under RCW 18.50.102 indicate that if a credential has lapsed for more than three years, the applicant must satisfy other competency requirements of the regulatory entity. No competency requirements exist for licensed midwives. It is important that midwives possess skills that are up to date and that they renew their skills before licensure is granted. This will assure that their patients are receiving safe care.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: The department intends to hold an open forum on November 10, 1998, at the Midwifery Advisory Committee meeting in Olympia, Washington to elicit input from interested parties. All licensed midwives and interested parties will be informed.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. A public meeting will be held on November 10, 1998. Written comments may be submitted to Department of Health, Midwifery Program, Attn: Kendra Pitzler, Program Manager, P.O. Box 98504-7864, phone (360) 664-4216, fax (360) 586-2165.

October 12, 1998

K. Van Gorkom

Deputy Secretary