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April 30, 2008 TO: Interested Persons FROM: Janette Benham, Program Manager Dispensing Optician Program The Department of Health is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Washington State Dispensing Optician Examining Committee. The Department is looking for public-spirited individuals willing to study the issues and to make decisions in the best interest of the public. We seek diversity in our members. We recognize the value diversity brings in understanding and serving the people of Washington State. Candidates with diverse backgrounds and those who provide geographic representation throughout the state are needed. The Examining Committee consists of three members appointed by the Secretary of Health. Members are all Washington licensed dispensing opticians. The Committee meets approximately 4 times a year. Historically these meetings have been scheduled on a Thursday or Friday in the months of September, October, March and April. The Committee also facilitates the administration of the licensing examination twice each year. The two day licensing examination is given in January and July. The Secretary of the Department of Health operates under legislative mandate to protect the health and safety of the public and to promote the welfare of the state by regulating the competency and quality of professional health care providers under the secretary’s jurisdiction by: • establishing, monitoring and enforcing qualifications for licensure, certification or registration • insuring consistent standards of practice • developing continuing competency mechanisms • applying consistent application of disciplinary sanctions for all health professions • developing rules, policies and procedures to promote the delivery of quality health care to the residents of the state Duties of the Dispensing Optician Examining Committee may include: 1. Prepare and administer the state’s licensing examination. 2. Providing recommendations on continuing education or continuing competency requirements. 3. Providing recommendations on standards of professional conduct or practice. 4. Providing recommendations on adopting, amending, or rescinding rules. 5. Serving either as a reviewing member on a disciplinary investigation or as a member on a disciplinary hearing panel. Compensation includes $50 per day for attendance at meetings and examinations, and travel expenses for mileage, meals, room, airlines, etc., paid at approved state rates. If you are interested in applying for an appointment to the Committee, please complete and return the attached application by May 16, 2008. Your thoughtful consideration of this request is appreciated. If you have any questions about serving on the committee, please contact Janette Benham at (360) 236-4947 or e-mail janette.benham@doh.wa.gov. |