Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-924 WAC, the examining board of psychology (board) is considering adding new sections to the chapter to implement the requirements of SB 5054 regarding probationary licensure and a reciprocity program between Washington and other U.S. states or territories. The board will also consider amending WAC 246-924-043, 246-924-059, and 246-924-495 to address the reduction of supervised experience requirements for certain applicants already licensed as a substance use disorder specialist under chapter 18.205 RCW as required by ESHB 1768. The board will consult with the department of health to determine training standards for a co-occurring disorder specialist enhancement as required by ESHB 1768. The board is also considering clarifying terms and conditions in WAC 246-924-010, 246-924-049, 246-924-095, and 246-924-480 regarding telemedicine, and licensure requirements for practicum, exams, and temporary permits.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rule making may be needed to establish the administrative requirements necessary to implement recently passed statutes. The statutes and subsequent rule making is intended to increase the mental health professional workforce in Washington state through a reciprocity program, by establishing a process to transition from a probationary license into a permanent or full license, and reduction of supervised experience hours for certain psychology applicants with prior work experience as a licensed substance use disorder professional. The board is also looking to clarify several rule sections for consistency, clarity, and precision.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Stacey Saunders, P.O. Box 47850, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-236-2813, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email stacey.saunders@doh.wa.gov, web site www.doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Rule development will take place in open public meetings prior to a formal rule proposal and comment period. All rule-making notices will be mailed via GovDelivery to various behavioral health professions lists. To receive notices, interested persons may sign up by going to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new. After signing up, please click open the box labeled "Health Systems Quality Assurance." Next click open the box labeled "Health Professions," then check the box next to "Board of Psychology."