Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department will repeal all rules in chapter 388-78A WAC adopted under WSR 03-16-047 scheduled to take effect September 1, 2004, and will adopt new boarding home rules. The new rules will be consistent with 2004 legislation, and will respond to concerns raised by the boarding home industry.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.20.090, SSB 6225, SB 6160, SB 5733.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: New rules are needed to assure that chapter 388-78A WAC complies with recent changes in statute, to be responsive to the needs of department clients and to be responsive to concerns of the boarding home industry.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Washington State Department of Health is responsible for food service requirements, and review of construction plans through construction review services. Department of Health will be asked to comment on draft and proposed rules that might affect relevant subjects.

     Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS welcomes the public to take part in developing the rules. Anyone with questions about these rules or who is interested in participating should contact the staff person indicated below. A draft of the rules will be distributed to interested parties for comment prior to formal filing the proposed rule for formal public comment and a public hearing.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Denny McKee, Program Manager, 640 Woodland Square Loop S.E., P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, phone (360) 725-2590, 1-800-422-3263, fax (360) 438-7903, TTY (360) 493-2637, e-mail McKeeDD@dshs.wa.gov.

March 24, 2004

Jim Schnellman

for Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit