PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-976-830 through 246-976-860 and 246-976-881, standards for designated trauma rehabilitation services.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 70.168 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Chapter 70.168 RCW requires the department to establish minimum standards for facility, equipment, and personnel for Levels I, I-Pediatric, II and III trauma-related rehabilitation services. These standards must be adopted into rule to be enforceable. The current rules have not undergone review and amendment since 1998. These rules need to be reviewed to ensure that they are clear, concise, and up to date.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other agencies regulate this subject.
Process for Developing New Rule: The EMS and Trauma Steering Committee approved an ad hoc workgroup to participate in the review and the drafting of any necessary proposed language. Statutory and other EMS and trauma committees, as well as other constituents and the public, will also be able to participate in the review and any necessary drafting of proposed language through open public meetings, mailings, e-mail, and/or posts to the DOH rules comment web site. A formal public hearing will be held before new and/or revised language is adopted.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Open public meetings will be available and the final draft of the proposed amended WAC language will be sent out to all affected and interested parties before the formal public hearing is held. Any questions or concerns regarding the trauma rehabilitation designation standards for trauma rehabilitation services (WAC 246-976-830 through 246-976-860 and 246-976-881) should contact Tami Thompson, Rehab Coordinator, Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System, P.O. Box 47853, Olympia, WA 98504-7853, e-mail tami.thompson@doh.wa.gov, phone (360) 236-2859 or fax (360) 236-2829.
May 20, 2005
M. C. Selecky
Secretary