WSR 98-02-077

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

(Aging and Adult Services Administration)

[Filed January 7, 1998, 11:20 a.m.]

Supplemental Notice to WSR 97-18-087.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 96-18-089.

Title of Rule: Revisions to the adult family home minimum licensing requirements, WAC 388-76-540 through 388-76-705.

Purpose: To make the adult family home regulations more clear, more easily understood, and more reflective of practices that are currently in place.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 70.128.040.

Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 70.128 and 70.129 RCW.

Summary: Due to laws passed in the 1995 legislative session, rules governing adult family homes were completely revised and became effective in July 1996. In the past year, internal and external stakeholders have provided input and feedback concerning their experience implementing these rules. This feedback made it evident that changes to the regulations were needed to: (1) Eliminate faulty and/or confusing language; (2) make the regulations clearer and more easily understood; and (3) make the regulations more reflective of current practice. In addition, some changes are necessary to ensure department expectations are clearly defined and easily understood.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: See Summary above.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Stacy Winokur, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, 1-800-422-3263 or (360) 407-0505.

Name of Proponent: Department of Social and Health Services, governmental.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: See Purpose and Summary above.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: These changes will: (1) Eliminate faulty and/or confusing language; (2) make the regulations clearer and more easily understood; (3) make the regulations more reflective of current practice; and (4) ensure department expectations are clearly defined and easily understood.

A small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.

Reviser's note: The material contained in this small business economic impact statement exceeded the page-count limitations of WAC 1-21-040 for appearance in this issue of the Register. It will appear in the 98-04 issue of the Register.

A copy of the statement may be obtained by writing to Carole Campbell, Residential Care Services, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, phone (800) 422-3263 or (360) 493-2631, or FAX (360) 438-7903.

RCW 34.05.328 applies to this rule adoption. Because these proposed rules are considered significant legislative rules, RCW 34.05.328 applies. To obtain a copy of the cost benefit analysis contact Carole Campbell at the address and phone number listed above.

Hearing Location: OB-2 Auditorium, 1115 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, on March 10, 1998, at 10:00 a.m.; and at Spokane Community College, 1810 North Green Street, Lair Building #6 (Sasquatch Room), Spokane, WA 99207-5399, on March 17, 1998, at 9:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Paige Wall by March 9, 1998, phone (360) 902-7540, TTY (360) 902-8324, e-mail pwall@dshs.wa.gov.

Submit Written Comments to and Identify WAC Numbers: Paige Wall, Rules Coordinator, Rules and Policies Assistance Unit, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504-5850, FAX (360) 902-8292, by March 17, 1998.

Date of Intended Adoption: No sooner than March 18, 1998.

January 6, 1998

Merry A. Kogut, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit