WSR 17-15-022

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed July 7, 2017, 11:20 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-827-XXX (new) Forensic phlebotomists, the department of health (department) is considering rules to implement the requirements of E2SHB 1614. This bill creates a new forensic phlebotomist credential and requires the department to adopt rules under chapter 246-827 WAC to specify the minimum qualifications for the credential. Related housekeeping and technical amendments to other sections in chapter 246-827 WAC may also be considered.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.360.030, 18.360.070, and E2SHB 1614 (chapter 336, Laws of 2017).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: E2SHB 1614 requires the department to adopt rules setting training requirements for the new forensic phlebotomist credential under the medical assistant (MA) chapter. These requirements are necessary for a person to qualify for the forensic phlebotomy credential. Technical and housekeeping amendments may also be considered to ensure that language throughout the chapter is up-to-date and consistent with amendments to the medical assistant statute under chapter 18.360 RCW resulting from the new law.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Washington state patrol and Washington state department of corrections. Qualified employees of these agencies will be eligible for the new credential. The department will encourage leaders from both of these agencies to attend rules workshops and participate in the rule-making project.

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 joining the MA program's email notification service, 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.

July 7, 2017

John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary