WSR 17-01-047

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed December 13, 2016, 2:00 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-827-0200 Medical assistant-certified—Training and examination, the department of health (department) is considering amending rules to add one or more exams to the list of exams that satisfy the exam requirement for the medical assistant (MA)-certified credential. The department may also consider alternative rules establishing standards for becoming a recognized exam in lieu of maintaining a list of approved exams.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.360.030, 18.360.040, and 18.360.070.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In response to a rule petition, the department is considering amending WAC 246-827-0200(2) to update and supplement the list of exams that satisfy the exam requirement for the MA-certified credential. The petitioner seeks to have its exam, which was recently accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), added to the current list of NCCA-accredited exams that satisfy the exam requirement for an MA-certified credential. The department is considering adding one or more NCCA-accredited exams in rule to offer more exam options for people applying for the MA-certified credential, and may consider establishing requirements for becoming a recognized exam.

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 parties may participate in the development of draft rules prior to a formal proposal by joining the MA program's listserv, attending workshops, and providing input on draft and proposed materials. Interested parties can receive information on how to participate by contacting Brett Cain, Program Manager, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4766, fax (360) 236-2901, email brett.cain@doh.wa.gov.

December 13, 2016

John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary