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UPCOMING CHANGES Health Equity Continuing Education
There are a few rules that the Commission is currently working on updating. The first is WAC 246-808-150 pertaining to Continuing Education (CE). This rule update is prompted by legal requirements to implement Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5229 (Chapter 276, Laws of 2021). This bill requires that all healthcare providers, subject to continuing education requirements, must adopt rules requiring providers to complete CE in health equity.
The Commission has gone through the rule making process and after completing a Rules Hearing at our September 14, business meeting, adopted health equity continuing education model rules to be in compliance with this new piece of legislation. The adopted rule establishes minimum standards for chiropractors, of two hours of health equity CE every four years beginning January 1, 2024. The rule does not change the total number of CE hours. It does, however, require that two hours in health equity CE be completed every four years as part of the total number of CE hours required.
Chiropractic X-Ray Technician Course Requirements
The second upcoming rule change will pertain to the Chiropractic X-ray Technician course requirements, WAC 246-808-215. This is an example of a rule change prompted by best practices and advances in technology. In 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions prohibited in-person learning, the X-ray Technician courses were permitted to be provided in an online format. During this time many advances in online education were occurring and the Commission formed a sub-committee to review the long term needs of the course. This included assessing if there were
components of the course that could be administered effectively online versus the mandatory in-person learning requirement outlined in the current WAC. Stakeholders, specifically instructors of the course, were invited to participate. It was recognized that certain elements of the course, such as X-ray set-ups, required an in-person component. However, much of the remaining portion of the material could effectively be taught utilizing live remote educational tools. Additionally, stakeholders shared the challenge of covering the required material in the 48 hours mandated by the current rule and it became clear there was a need to expand the required course hours. Through careful study of comparable courses in other states and careful consideration of stakeholder’s comments, the Commission is in the process of changing the requirements for the X-ray Technician course. While the required hours will be increasing, the proposed rule will allow for part of the course to be provided through live remote education. This allows for the expanded hours to cover the material while providing flexibility to complete part of the course remotely. As a result, students’ time is optimized. This rule is currently in CR102 stage and is scheduled for hearing November 16, 2023. The Commission encourages all stakeholders to participate in the rule making process by providing public comment on the web page at
https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview/.
While regulation may not be as exciting as serving your patients, if you live and breathe chiropractic and want to continue to encourage true health in our communities, you need to get involved. Get involved at a deeper level with the WSCA and with their legislative efforts and stay on top of the rulemaking process so your voice is heard. Together we can continue to safeguard our community’s access to safe and effective chiropractic care while preserving the practice of chiropractic as we know it, including its integrity and reputation.
While regulation may not be as exciting as serving your patients, if you live and breathe chiropractic and want to continue to encourage true health in our communities, you need to get involved.
www .c hir o healt h.or g
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