Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-809-XXX Maintenance and retention of records, to establish standards reflective of today's practice and to ensure consumers have appropriate access to their records.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.225.040(1) and 18.225.100.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Standards relating to the content and documentation of mental health services need to be specified to reflect the practice standards. A rule needs to be established to provide documentation standards and record retention time frames.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: While no other state or federal agency regulates licensed counselors, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 may have an impact and will be considered in the rule-making process.

     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 by contacting Traci Black, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869, (360) 236-4917, fax (360) 236-4918.

August 10, 2004

M. C. Selecky

Secretary

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office