Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amending WAC 388-15-005 What definitions apply to these rules? and 388-15-077 What happens to unfounded CPS findings?, to meet the requirements from SSB 5321 (chapter 220, Laws of 2007).

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.13.031, 74.04.050, and chapter 26.44 RCW.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is amending the child protective services (CPS) rules which establish findings for child abuse and neglect. The proposed changes will establish a two-tiered findings system and new record expungement timeframes. Changes are needed to meet the requirements in SSB 5321 passed in 2007 (chapter 220, Laws of 2007).

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Not applicable.

     Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS welcomes the public to take part in developing the rules. Anyone interested should contact the staff person identified below. At a later date, DSHS will file a proposal with the office of the code reviser with a notice of proposed rule making. A copy of the proposal will be sent to everyone on the mailing list and to anyone who requests a copy.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Tina Stern, Division of Program and Practice Improvement, P.O. Box 45710, Olympia, WA 98504-5710, phone (360) 902-0863, fax (360) 902-7903, e-mail tist300@dshs.wa.gov.

March 19, 2008

Stephanie E. Schiller

Rules Coordinator

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