The Washington Department of Health (department) filed a CR-102 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Chapter 246-15 WAC, Whistleblower Complaints in Healthcare Settings, as WSR 21-19-017 on September 7, 2021. The CR-102 proposes the following:
- Align chapter 246-15 WAC and RCW 43.70.075 and update procedures
- Amend the definitions in WAC 246-15-010 for health care facility, improper quality of care, whistleblower, and adding a definition for reprisal or retaliatory action.
- Amend WAC 246-15-020 to align with the expanded protection provided to the identity of the whistleblower
- Amend WAC 246-15-030 to clarify department procedures for filing, investigating, and resolving whistleblower complaints
- Housekeeping changes to WAC 246-15-001
The CR-102 and proposed rule can be found here.
In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the department will not provide a physical location for this hearing to promote social distancing and the safety of the citizens of Washington State. A virtual public hearing, without a physical meeting space, will be held instead on November 2, 2021.
Register in advance for this webinar at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m9WMcLkwQ4a7lapmnij0lw
Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted on the comment page or sent to Marlee O’Neill at marlee.oneill@doh.wa.gov. We will continue accepting comments until close of business November 2, 2021.