PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
(Division of Assistance Programs)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 388-448-0001 Who is eligible for general assistance-unemployable, and related sections. The department is considering expanding exemptions to the incapacity decision process to include individuals approved for expedited Medicaid (GAX). We also intend to clarify that redeterminations require current medical documentation.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.005 (6)(e).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The amendment will allow the department to simplify the incapacity decision process by eliminating the need to complete the progressive evaluation process for individuals approved for GAX. It will also assure compliance with state law that requires eligibility based on clear objective medical evidence.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS welcomes public comment on this proposed amendment. Anyone interested in commenting should contact the staff person indicated below. After the rule is drafted, DSHS will file a copy with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making, and send a copy to everyone currently on the mailing list and anyone else who requests a copy. We will meet with interested parties in implementing this amendment.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Pamela Raymond, phone (360) 413-3087, 1009 College Street S.E., Lacey, WA, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-5470, fax (360) 413-3493.
January 29, 1999
Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit