PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Aging and Disability Services Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Creating new chapter 388-824 WAC for the Division of Development Disabilities (DDD) assessment process.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 71A.12.030.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In June 2003, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) recommended that DSHS develop an assessment process for developmentally disabled clients designed to be consistently applied, to all clients, in all parts of the state. Part of developing this assessment process includes defining requirements for administering a newly developed mini-assessment to DDD eligible clients and for providing information and referral services to those clients.
Rules are needed in WAC to govern and support the implementation of these mini-assessment and information and referral requirements. Adoption of these rules will help promote consistent application and understanding of the division's client assessment processes.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: At a later date, the department will file proposed rules and a proposed rule-making notice for publication in the Washington State Register, invite public comments, and hold a public hearing. The proposal will be sent to everyone on the mailing list to receive rule-making notices on this subject, and to anyone who requests the proposal.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting John Gaskell, Policy Manager, DDD Assessment Project, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, phone (360) 725-2517, fax (360) 407-0955, e-mail gaskejw@dshs.wa.gov.
November 15, 2004
Brian H. Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit