PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
(Board of Optometry)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-851 WAC, the board of optometry is considering amending the chapter to include multicultural educational and awareness programs into optometry continuing education.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.54.070, 43.70.615.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In 2006, ESB 6194 (chapter 237, Laws of 2006) now codified as RCW 43.70.615, authorized health care providers licensed by the department of health to receive multicultural health awareness education and training as part of their continuing education requirement. Completion of multicultural awareness programs may increase the knowledge, understanding and skill of health care providers to effectively provide health care in cross-cultural situations.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Interested persons can participate in the development of new rules by attending stakeholder meetings, providing comments on proposed language which will be sent to interested persons through listserv and by regular mail. Send written comments to Judy Haenke, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4947, fax (360) 236-2901 or e-mail judy.haenke@doh.wa.gov.
February 11, 2010
Bart Eggen
Executive Director