PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Industrial insurance, WAC 296-20-1101 Hearing aids and masking devices.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 51.12.330 or chapter 51.12 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Though labor and industries, labor and self-insurer representatives worked together to create a new linear analog hearing aid replacement policy, WAC 296-20-1101 will be need to be revised to reflect this new policy and ensure uniform compliance.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: After reviewing current scientific hearing aid literature the department worked with business, labor and self-insurance representatives to craft a new hearing aid replacement policy. The proposed rule revision will reflect the new policy.
The parties interested in the development of these rules may contact the individual listed below. Interested parties may also participate during the public comment period by submitting written comments or giving oral testimony at the public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Bob Mayer, Department of Labor and Industries, 7273 Linderson Way, Tumwater, WA 98501, phone (360) 902-5021, fax (360) 902-4249, e-mail MAYR235@LNI.WA.GOV.
Public hearing will be scheduled for interested parties to comment on proposed rule change.
September 18, 2007
Judy Schurke
Director