DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed July 30, 2018, 12:30 p.m.]

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 18-04-053.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-810-029(3) Acceptable continuing education courses for a certified counselor and certified adviser, the department of health is proposing rule language that will increase the amount of allowable distance learning program hours from twelve to up to twenty hours per reporting period.

Hearing Location(s): On September 12, 2018, at 9:30 a.m., at the Department of Health (DOH), Town Center 2, Room 145, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501.

Date of Intended Adoption: September 19, 2018.

Submit Written Comments to: Brett Lorentson, DOH, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, email https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview, fax 360-236-2901, by September 12, 2018.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Brett Lorenson [Lorentson], phone 360-236-4611, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email Brett.Lorentson@doh.wa.gov, by September 5, 2018.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed amendment will increase the amount of allowable distance learning hours from twelve to up to twenty hours per reporting period.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: Increasing the allowable amount of distance learning hours provides greater flexibility to these health care professionals, particularly those in rural areas of Washington.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.19.050.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 18.19.050.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Name of Proponent: DOH, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Brett Lorentson, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98504-7852, 360-236-4611.

A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135.

A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Brett Lorentson, DOH, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-4611, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email Brett.Lorentson@doh.wa.gov.

The proposed rule does not impose more-than-minor costs on businesses. Following is a summary of the agency's analysis showing how costs were calculated. The proposed rules do not impact businesses.

John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 09-15-041, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09)

WAC 246-810-029Acceptable continuing education courses for certified counselor and certified adviser.

(1) A continuing education program or course must be relevant to counseling and must contribute to the advancement, extension and enhancement of the professional competence of the credential holder. Relevant courses include those that are related to counseling theory and practice, modality(ies) of the counseling services the credential holder will provide, professional ethics, courses related to risk assessment, screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, referral of clients, and Washington state law applicable to counseling.

(2) Continuing education courses, seminars, workshops, training programs, and institutes must have a featured instructor, speaker(s), or panel approved by an industry-recognized institution of higher learning, or a local, state, national, or international organization.

(3) Distance learning programs approved by an industry-recognized local, state, national or international organization or educational organization may meet these requirements. The programs must require a test of comprehension upon completion. Distance learning programs are limited to ((twelve)) twenty hours per reporting period.

(4) Other learning experiences, such as serving on a panel, board or council, community service, research, peer consultation, or publishing articles for professional publications are acceptable if the experience contributes to the advancement, extension, and enhancement of the professional competence of the certified counselor or certified adviser. The experience is limited to six hours per reporting period.