Subject of Possible Rule Making: To implement SSB 5579 (chapter 231, Laws of 2003) by amending current sections and adding a new section to chapter 388-105 WAC.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 231, Laws of 2003; chapter 18.20 RCW.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The 2003 legislature passed SSB 5579 to change the policy on paying for bed holds. To implement the changes, the department must amend chapter 388-105 WAC to reduce rates by the amount the rates were increased effective July 1, 2002, to pay for bed holds in the rate. Also, the department must adopt WAC that describes the new policy, which includes setting a rate amount for absences that go from the eighth day through the twentieth day.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

     Process for Developing New Rule: By publishing in the Washington State Register this CR-101 Preproposal statement of inquiry; CR-102 Proposed rule making; and CR-103 Rule-making order including a concise explanatory statement.

     ADSA welcomes the public participation in developing its rule(s). Anyone interested in participating should contact the staff person indicated below. At a later date, ADSA will [file] propose rules with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making, and send a copy to everyone currently on the HCS mailing list and anyone else who requests a copy.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. If you would like to be personally notified when draft regulations are ready for review, please contact Patricia Hague, fax (360) 725-2641, e-mail HaguePE@dshs.wa.gov, or write to Home and Community Rates, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600.

July 9, 2003

Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

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