Subject of Possible Rule Making: Updating medical assistant (MA) credentialing requirements. The department of health (department) is considering rule amendments in chapter 246-827 WAC to update MA credentialing requirements and ensure the rules are current and align with best practices.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department recently received feedback from the state auditor's office that the MA application requirements in rule may not be aligned with current application documentation procedures and standards. In response, the department will consider amendments to the MA application requirements under WAC 246-827-0220, 246-827-0300, 246-827-0410, 246-827-0510, 246-827-0530, and other related sections as needed. Amendments could update the application requirements related to how to provide "proof of" high school education or equivalent. The department will consider updating the rule to also include the acceptance of an attestation as proof of high school completion. Amendments to these requirements could reduce administrative barriers for applicants completing application packets and entering the workforce.

Additionally, the department will consider technical amendments to align chapter 246-827 WAC with the recent implementation of the MA-EMT profession established under SSB 5940 (chapter 217, Laws of 2024), codified in chapter 18.360 RCW. The purpose of these technical amendments is to ensure that the rules are current to align with best practices and ensure consistency and accuracy throughout the chapter. The department will consider technical amendments to WAC 246-827-0010, 246-827-0110, 246-827-0220, 246-827-0300, 246-827-0410, 246-827-0430, 246-827-0500, 246-827-0510, 246-827-0530, 246-827-0610, 246-827-0620, 246-827-0630, and other related sections as needed.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Becky Cornwall, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-4766, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 711, email medical.assistants@doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Interested parties can participate in the drafting of the proposed rules. The department will conduct a series of rules workshops. Rule-making notices will be delivered via the GovDelivery list. To receive notices, go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new. After signing in, click open the box labeled "Health Systems Quality Assurance." Next, click open the box labeled "Health Professions" and then click again on "Medical Assistants." You may also check the box next to one or more of the other professions or facilities listed to receive information related to that specific topic.