Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 388-513-1380 Determining a client's participation in the cost of care for long-term care (LTC) services.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.09.500, and 74.09.530; Section 1924 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396R-5).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To change the community spouse excess shelter standard due to a change in federal standards effective April 1, 2005.

     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.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Lori Rolley, P.O. Box 45534, Olympia, WA 98504-5534, phone (360) 725-1304, fax (360) 664-0910, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail rollelj@dshs.wa.gov.

May 16, 2005

Andy Fernando, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit