Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-937-040, training requirements for veterinary medication clerks (VMC). The veterinary board of governors (board) is proposing additional options for VMC applicants to meet their training requirements for registration.

Hearing Location(s): On September 24, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., at the Washington State Department of Health, River View Corporate Center, Suite 1500, Room 118, 16201 East Indiana Avenue, Spokane Valley, WA 99216.

Submit Written Comments to: Loralei Walker, Department of Health, Veterinary Board of Governors, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, email https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview, fax 360-236-2901, by September 10, 2018.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Loralei Walker, phone 360-236-4947, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email loralei.walker@doh.wa.gov, by September 10, 2018.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rule adds an educational training program option to the current on-the-job training track to qualify for a VMC registration.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The board and pharmacy quality assurance commission developed a model training program to set criteria for the on-the-job training program. A petitioner requested rule making to add an educational training program as an approved training pathway for a VMC. The proposed rule specifies that an educational training program must, at a minimum, meet the criteria outlined in the model training program. This will ensure that equivalent education is offered through either training option.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Loralei Walker, Program Manager, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, 360-236-4947.

A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Loralei Walker, Department of Health, Veterinary Board of Governors, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-4947, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email loralei.walker@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 rule applies to credentialed providers and does not impose requirements on businesses.

(((1) The training of)) To qualify for a certificate of registration as a veterinary medication ((clerks)) clerk, an individual must ((be obtained by completion of)):

(1) Be a high school graduate or equivalent.

(2) Meet the training requirement by being sponsored by a veterinarian licensed in the state of Washington and completing either an on-the-job training program ((following guidelines approved by the board.

(2) The minimum educational requirement must be high school graduation or equivalency)) or an educational program that meets, at a minimum, the criteria set in the model training program developed by the veterinary board of governors and the pharmacy quality assurance commission.