WSR 18-04-053

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed February 1, 2018, 9:22 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-810-029(3) Acceptable continuing education courses for a certified counselor or certified adviser, the department of health (department) is considering rule language that will increase the amount of allowable distance learning programs from twelve hours to up to twenty hours per reporting period.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.19.050.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: With modern technology such as webinars, there are more options of valuable and creditable online courses. Increasing the allowable distance learning programs from twelve hours to up to twenty hours per reporting period may help the rural area counselors lacking the same amount of access to in-person trainings.

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 by contacting Kim-Boi Shadduck, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia WA 98504, phone 360-236-2912, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email kimboi.shadduck@doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Interested parties may receive rule-making information and notifications by signing up for GovDelivery using https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new.

January 30, 2018

John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary