10-16-116

WSR 10-16-116

PERMANENT RULES

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Board of Hearing and Speech)

[ Filed August 2, 2010, 5:02 p.m. , effective September 2, 2010 ]

     Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: WAC 246-828-305, the adopted rule creates a new section to provide for temporary practice permits to be issued to a speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, audiologist, and hearing isntrument [instrument] fitter/dispenser applicants while a fingerprint-based background check is completed.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.35.161, 18.130.064, and 18.130.075.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 10-10-101 on May 4, 2010.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: June 14, 2010.

Rhonda Friedlander, Chair

Board of Hearing and Speech

OTS-3169.2

NEW SECTION
WAC 246-828-305   How to obtain a temporary practice permit while the national background check is completed.   Fingerprint-based national background checks may cause a delay in licensing or certification. Individuals who satisfy all other licensing or certification requirements and qualifications may receive a temporary practice permit while the national background check is completed.

     (1) A temporary practice permit may be issued to an applicant who:

     (a) Holds an unrestricted, active license or certification to practice as a speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, audiologist, or hearing instrument fitter/dispenser in another state that has substantially equivalent licensing or certification standards to those in Washington state;

     (b) Is not subject to denial of a license or certification or issuance of a conditional or restricted license or certification; and

     (c) Does not have a criminal record in Washington state.

     (2) A temporary practice permit grants the individual the full scope of practice under this chapter.

     (3) A temporary practice permit will not be renewed, reissued, or extended. A temporary practice permit expires when any one of the following occurs:

     (a) The license or certification is granted;

     (b) A notice of decision on application is mailed to the applicant, unless the notice of decision on the application specifically extends the duration of the temporary practice permit; or

     (c) One hundred eighty days after the temporary practice permit is issued.

     (4) To receive a temporary practice permit, the applicant must:

     (a) Submit the necessary application, fee(s), and documentation for the license or certification.

     (b) Meet all requirements and qualifications for the license or certification, except the results from a fingerprint-based national background check, if required.

     (c) Provide verification of having an active unrestricted license or certification to practice as a speech-language pathologist, speech-language pathology assistant, audiologist, or hearing instrument fitter/dispenser from another state that has substantially equivalent licensing or certification standards as Washington state.

     (d) Submit the fingerprint card and a written request for a temporary practice permit when the department notifies the applicant the national background check is required.

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