PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-840-740 Sexual misconduct prohibited, the nursing care quality assurance commission is considering amending this rule to clarify that this rule applies to nursing technicians, as well as to registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and advanced registered nurse practitioners.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.130.180(24) and 18.79.110.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule prohibits sexual misconduct for those who hold a credential issued under chapter 246-840 WAC. However, the language refers specifically to "nurses" and nursing technicians may not be aware that it also applies to them. The commission wishes to clarify the language to assure that nursing technicians understand that they are held to the same standards as all other nurses and that they may be disciplined if they do not comply with the rules.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.
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 at the Department of Health, Point Plaza East, Room 152/153, 310 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA on July 14, 2006. Written comments may be sent to Kendra Pitzler, P.O. Box 47864, Olympia, WA 98504-7864, (360) 236-4723, fax (360) 236-4738 or e-mail kendra.pitzler@doh.wa.gov.
July 5, 2006
Judith D. Personett, EdD, RN, Chair
Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission