Board updates petition-for-rulemaking policy to add preliminary screening and clarity for petitioners

The State Board of Health voted to revise its petition-for-rulemaking policy to add a formal preliminary screening step and clarify appeals timing and staff communication with petitioners.

Policy advisor Shay Bauman described three screening factors: whether a petition requests a rulemaking-appropriate outcome, whether the request is within the board's statutory authority, and whether the petition clearly identifies the rule change requested. Staff said the new step will allow petitioners to revise unclear petitions before they reach the board. The board amended draft language to explicitly state that failure to provide requested clarification will render a petition incomplete and not scheduled for review.

Board members discussed practical details such as whether to impose a fixed deadline for petitioners to respond; members favored operational flexibility while ensuring petitioners understand an incomplete petition will not be scheduled. Vice Chair Kelly Oshiro moved and the board adopted the revisions, directing staff to update the web guidance so the public can better understand petition requirements and process steps.

Why it matters: Board staff reported a high volume of petitions and said a preliminary screen would reduce unnecessary workload and improve transparency for petitioners. The policy clarifies the 60-day appeal window start, provides staff discretion to request clarifications, and commits to public-facing guidance.

Next steps: Staff will update the board's web pages, implement the screening process, and return to the board if operational adjustments are needed.