Subject of Possible Rule Making: Establish a process and standards for providing funding for the health literacy program established pursuant to SHB 1128. Chapter 182-20 WAC will be amended to implement the health literacy program with educational, outreach and funding application process and standards.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.220.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The 2007 legislature created a health literacy program and appropriated funds in the 2008-2009 biennium to HCA. Community health services (CHS) will establish a health care literacy program and hire two new staff to administer the program in a public-private partnership with UCLA Health Care Institute to improve health care literacy. The proposed rules will establish requirements to apply for grants, deliver a health literacy curriculum, and collaborate with statewide partners.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: (1) Department of social and health services (DSHS) and (2) department of health (DOH). HCA will share rule development drafts with DSHS and DOH staff.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Stakeholder mailing and public hearing.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Connie Mix Clark, Community Health Services, P.O. Box 42721, Olympia, WA 98504-2721, (360) 923-2753, e-mail ccla107@hca.wa.gov.

July 10, 2007

Jason Siems

Rules Coordinator

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