Subject of Possible Rule Making: J1 physician waiver regulations, WAC 246-562-080 Physician eligibility requirements.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 70.185.030 and [70.185.]040.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule change will amend existing rules to increase access to primary care physicians interested in working in designated health professional shortage areas.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: There are federal rules that regulate the J1 visa waiver program. This program works closely with the United States Department of State (DOS) and Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to ensure compliance with the federal regulations. DOS and INS will be included in all mailings.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Mailings to interested parties. This rule change is brought about by constituent requests. Key constituents for mailings will include: Provider groups, local health planners, Region X US PHS, University of Washington School of Medicine, Area Health Education Centers, Northwest Regional Primary Care Association, Washington Association of Community and Migrant Health Centers, rural hospitals, rural health clinics, community and migrant health centers, immigration attorneys, United States DOS and INS, and current program participants.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jennell Prentice, J-1 Visa Waiver Program, Office of Community and Rural Health, P.O. Box 47834, Olympia, WA 98504-7834, phone (360) 705-6666, e-mail Jennell.Prentice@doh.wa.gov.

June 4, 2002

Nancy Ellison

Deputy Director

for Mary Selecky

Secretary

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