Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 388-434-0005 Eligibility reviews and recertifications, elimination of the signature requirement for medical eligibility reviews.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.09.510, 74.08.090.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department will delete references to the requirement that a medical eligibility review be signed by at least one parent in the household. This would allow DSHS clients the flexibility of meeting the eligibility review requirement by submitting a completed form (hard copy or electronic) or completing an in-person or telephone interview.

     MAA will coordinate development of the rule with the DSHS Division of Employment and Assistance Programs.

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

     Process for Developing New Rule: The department invites the interested public to review and provide input on the draft language of this rule. Draft material and information about how to participate may be obtained from the department representative listed below. The department will distribute draft material for an internal and external review process before proposing the rule for formal comment and a public hearing. All comments are taken into consideration before issuance of the final rule.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mary Wood, Program Manager, P.O. Box 45534, Olympia, WA 98504-5534, phone (360) 725-1329, fax (360) 664-0910, e-mail woodme@dshs.wa.gov, TDD 1-800-848-5429.

March 15, 2004

Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit