WSR 17-02-007

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed December 22, 2016, 12:30 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-805 WAC creating new rules sections to address continuing education requirements for certified behavior technicians, licensed behavior analysts and licensed assistant behavior analysts; creating a new section to address supervision of licensed assistant behavior analysts; and new rules on additional topics as authorized in chapter 18.380 RCW.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 18.380 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Chapter 18.380 RCW directs the secretary to adopt rules necessary to implement a program for certified and licensed applied behavior analysis (ABA) professionals. Rules enhance and protect patient safety by setting enforceable competency standards for ABA professionals practicing in Washington. Draft rules have been developed setting initial education, training, and credentialing standards so that the department can begin issuing ABA credentials by July 1, 2017. The department is now considering rules to set continuing education requirements for the new professions and supervision requirements for licensed assistant behavior analysts.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department will coordinate with health care authority and department of social and health services, division of behavioral health and recover [recovery]. These agencies will be included during the development of rules.

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 request to receive notices of rule development workshops and other rule-making activities or send comments by contacting Brett Lorentson, Program Manager, Department of Health, ABA, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4611, fax (360) 236-2901, email brett.lorentson@doh.wa.gov.

December 22, 2016

John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary