Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 388-478-0075 Medical programs -- Monthly income standards based on federal poverty level (FPL).

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.057, 74.04.050, and 74.09.530.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The proposed amendment is necessary to adopt new federal poverty level (FPL) standards effective April 1, 2004.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Department standards must comply with those published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register, (Volume 69, Number 30) on February 13, 2004.

     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. 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 Joanie Scotson, Program Manager, P.O. Box 45534, Olympia, WA 98504-5534, phone (360) 725-1330, fax (360) 586-0910, e-mail scotsjk@dshs.wa.gov, TDD 1-800-848-5429.

March 23, 2004

Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit