PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: New chapter 246-825 WAC, Genetic counselors.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: SSB 5608 (chapter 302, Laws of 2009).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: SSB 5608 requires the department to adopt rules to implement the law. Rules will set standards for approved license examinations; establish eligibility for initial license and renewals; identify practice parameters; set credentialing fees; and implement a continuing competency program to ensure that only qualified individuals are credentialed as genetic counselors.
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.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Rules will be developed in consultation with stakeholders through rule-writing workshops. Persons interested in receiving notice of upcoming meetings and rule development updates may join the interest parties list on the genetic counselor program's web site at http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/GeneticCoun/Default.htm. Contact Doreen E. Beebe, Program Manager, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4834, fax (360) 236-2901, or e-mail doreen.beebe@doh.wa.gov for more information.
August 13, 2009
Mary C. Selecky
Secretary