Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-847 WAC, Occupational therapists, amend existing rules to identify continuing education and training requirements for suicide assessment, treatment, and management.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 43.70 RCW as amended by ESHB 2366 (chapter 181, Laws of 2012).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: ESHB 2366 (chapter 181, Laws of 2012) directs the occupational therapy practice board (board) to adopt rules to implement continuing education and training requirements for suicide assessment, treatment, and management for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. The board may also define when exceptions or exemptions to the training and education requirements may be appropriate.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None known.

     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 providing comments to Janette Benham, Program Manager, Health Professions and Facilities, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4857, or e-mail janette.benham@doh.wa.gov. Interested parties can participate in the rule-making process by providing comments on proposed language and/or attending a rules workshop. Notices will be sent to interested parties through listserv and e-mail. Information will also be posted on the program's web site.

August 31, 2012

Karin Schulze, Chair

Occupational Therapy Practice Board