Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: WAC 246-828-510 Continuing education and repeal of WAC 246-828-500, 246-828-530, and 246-828-550.

     In 2002 the legislature passed HB 2589, chapter 310, Laws of 2002, changing audiologists and speech language pathologists from certified to licensed and also mandated continuing education (CE) requirements before these professionals can renew their license.

     Prior to the passage of this legislation, the law required ten hours of continuing education for hearing instrument fitter/dispensers before renewing their license. There was not CE requirements for audiologists and speech-language pathologists because they were certified and not licensed at that time. This law requires hearing instrument fitter/dispensers, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists to obtain thirty hours of continuing education in a three-year period prior to renewing their licenses. One CE hour must be on infection control and the remaining twenty-nine CE hours may be obtained through courses, seminars, workshops, and postgraduate programs offered by accredited educational institutions or profession-related organizations or industries, and may be obtained through the internet, self study, etc.

     There are four different WACs addressing CE requirements for hearing instrument fitter/dispensers. WAC 246-828-510, combines all four WACs into one rule covering hearing instrument fitter/dispensers, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists. In addition, this rule will also repeal WAC 246-828-500, 246-828-530, and 246-828-550.

     Overall, these proposed changes will improve and increase the ability of the hearing instrument fitter/dispenser, audiologist, and speech-language pathologist to deliver the highest possible quality of care.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 246-828-500, 246-828-530 and 246-828-550; and amending WAC 246-828-510.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.35.161.

     Other Authority: RCW 18.35.090.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 06-21-106 on October 17, 2006.

     Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: WAC 246-828-510 Continuing education and repeal of WAC 246-828-500, 246-828-530, and 246-828-550.

     The adopted rule language removed the limit on how many CE hours a licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispenser, audiologist, and speech-language pathologist may obtain in specific categories.

     The adopted rule has a minimum of one CE hour in infection control and the remaining twenty-nine hours may be obtained in any of the categories listed below. The CE categories remained the same, however, the CE hour limit was lifted in each category.

•	At least one hour in infection control.
•	Courses, seminars, workshops, and postgraduate programs offered by accredited educational institutions.
•	Courses, seminars, and workshops offering CE units offered by profession-related organizations or industries.
•	Attending or participating and speaking at a CE program having a featured speaker or panel which is sponsored or endorsed by a profession-related organization or industry.

     In addition, the adopted rule also removed the phrase "board approved programs." This language was removed because it caused confusion to stakeholders.

     A final cost-benefit analysis is available by contacting Leann Yount, P.O. Box 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869, phone (360) 236-4856, fax (360) 236-4918, e-mail leann.yount@doh.wa.gov.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 3.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 3.

     Date Adopted: December 1, 2006.

Richard Gidner

Chair

OTS-8701.5

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 98-05-060, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98)

WAC 246-828-510   Continuing education.   (((1) Licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispensers must complete ten hours of continuing education as required in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7.

     (2) A maximum of two hours may be in the area of practice management. Practice management includes, but is not limited to, marketing, computer recordkeeping, and personnel issues.)) The ultimate aim of continuing education is to ensure the highest quality professional care. The objectives are to improve and increase the ability of the hearing instrument fitter/dispenser, audiologist and speech-language pathologist to deliver the highest possible quality professional care and keep the professional abreast of current developments.

     Continuing education consists of educational activities designed to review existing concepts and techniques and to convey information and knowledge about advances in hearing instrument fitting/dispensing, audiology and speech-language pathology fields as applied to the work setting.

     (1) Continuing education requirement. Licensees must complete a minimum of thirty hours of continuing education every three years in the following categories:

     (a) At least one hour on infection control.

     (b) Courses, seminars, workshops and postgraduate programs offered by accredited educational institutions. These educational activities shall be recorded on an official transcript or certificate stating the number of continuing education units completed.

     (c) Courses, seminars and workshops offering continuing clock or continuing educational units offered by profession-related organizations or industries. These units shall be accepted with proof of completion.

     (d) Attendance at a continuing education program having a featured speaker(s) or panel, which has been sponsored or endorsed by a profession-related organization or industry.

     (e) Participation as a speaker or panel member in a continuing education program which has been sponsored or endorsed by a profession-related organization or industry. A maximum of eight hours, including preparation time, may be applied to the total three-year requirement.

     (f) Completion of a written, video, internet, or audio continuing education program which has been sponsored or endorsed by a profession-related organization or industry. Only programs with tests that are independently graded shall be accepted.

     (2) General information.

     (a) The effective date of the continuing education requirement shall be three years after the licensee's 2007 renewal date.

     (b) The board shall not grant credit for preparation time, except as provided in subsection (1)(e) of this section.

     (3) The board may grant an exception for continuing education requirements under certain circumstances including, but not limited to, severe illness. The licensee must submit to the board for review, a written request for exception. The board will approve or deny the request.

     (4) This section incorporates by reference the requirements of chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. 98-05-060, § 246-828-510, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.35.161(3). 93-07-007 (Order 342B), § 246-828-510, filed 3/5/93, effective 4/5/93.]

     The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:

WAC 246-828-500	Citation and purpose.
WAC 246-828-530	Exceptions for continuing education.
WAC 246-828-550	Programs approved by the board of hearing and speech.

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