Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-808 WAC. The chiropractic quality assurance commission (commission) is considering adopting health equity continuing education (CE) rules. The commission will consider adopting model rules adopted by the department of health (department), currently proposed as WAC 246-12-800 through 246-12-830, to comply with RCW 43.70.613. The commission is also considering amending additional sections to make changes to existing CE requirements and improve overall clarity.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: By January 1, 2024, RCW 43.70.613(1) requires each health profession credentialed under RCW 18.130.040 with a CE requirement to adopt rules requiring completion of health equity CE training at least once every four years.

RCW 43.70.613 (3)(b) also directed the department to create model rules establishing minimum standards for health equity CE programs. The department filed proposed rules for health equity CE minimum standards on August 23, 2022, under WSR 22-17-141. Any rules developed by the commission must meet or exceed the minimum standards in the model rules found as adopted in WAC 246-12-800 through 246-12-830.

The goal of health equity CE training is to equip health care workers with the skills to recognize and reduce health inequities in their daily work. The content of the health equity trainings include instruction on skills to address structural factors, such as bias, racism, and poverty, which manifest as health inequities.

Additionally, the commission is considering modifications to the number of CE hours that a chiropractor can complete using distance learning and multimedia chiropractic education programs.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Betty J. Moe, Regulatory Analyst, P.O. Box 47857, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-236-2868, TTY 711, email Betty.Moe@doh.wa.gov, website www.doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/chiropractor-chiropractic-x-ray-technician.

Additional comments: Interested parties can participate in the drafting of the proposed rules. The commission will be conducting rules workshops with interested parties and subject matter experts. Communication will be delivered through existing GovDelivery lists and other known contact information to inform interested parties of opportunities to provide input on proposed rule language. To find out more information about our rule making, visit www.doh.wa.gov. To subscribe to GovDelivery, please visit www.doh.wa.gov, and select the "Subscribe" button at the bottom of the page and then select Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission.