WSR 17-24-013

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed November 27, 2017, 3:18 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-976-010 through 246-976-310, 246-976-330 through 246-976-400, 246-976-890, 246-976-920, 246-976-960, and 246-976-970, emergency medical services (EMS) and trauma care systems. The department of health (department) is considering updating the EMS sections of the chapter to align with current national standards, streamline application processes, and respond to legislative requirements. New sections may be added as required.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.70.040, 18.71.205, 18.73.081, and 70.168.050.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is opening WAC 246-976-010 through 246-976-310, 246-976-330 through 246-976-400, 246-976-890, 246-976-920, 246-976-960, and 246-976-970 to: (1) Consider updates to align with current national standards; (2) make regulations more clear and concise; (3) respond to statutory requirements; and (4) streamline initial and renewal application processes for prehospital services licenses and EMS provider certification. The current standards establish qualifications for the issuance, suspension, and revocation of a prehospital agency license and EMS provider certification. The department identifies updates, revisions, and housekeeping items needed for this chapter. By doing so, the department will satisfy the requirements of RCW 43.70.041, enacted and codified in 2013, which directs the department and other state agencies to establish a formal review process of existing rules every five years in order to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses without compromising public health and safety. It is anticipated that the amendments to existing rules and new sections will ensure regulations and standards are clear, concise, and reflect current standards of care and best practice for the benefit and safety of the public.

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 by contacting Catie Holstein, P.O. Box 47853, Olympia, 98504, phone 360-236-2841, fax 360-236-2830, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email catie.holstein@doh.wa.gov, web site https://doh.wa.gov; or Hilary Dykstra, P.O. Box 47853, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-236-2838, fax 360-236-2830, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email hilary.dykstra@doh.wa.gov, web site https://doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Interested parties may participate in the development of draft rules prior to a formal proposal by joining the interested parties list (GovDelivery) at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new, and may provide input on draft and proposed materials. Interested parties may receive information on how to participate by contacting Catie Holstein, EMS Manager, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47853, Olympia, WA 98504-7853, phone 360-236-2841, fax 360-236-2830, email catie.holstein@doh.wa.gov.

November 22, 2017

John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary