Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 09-14-075 and 09-10-046.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The division of child support (DCS) proposes to adopt changes to chapter 388-14A WAC to implement statutory changes contained in two major bills from the 2009 legislative session: (1) SHB 1845 (chapter 476, Laws of 2009) regarding medical support obligations in child support orders; and (2) ESHB 1794 (chapter 84, Laws of 2009), which makes changes to chapter 26.19 RCW, the Washington state child support schedule, based on the recommendations of the 2007 child support schedule workgroup which was convened under 2SHB 1009 (chapter 313, Laws of 2007). This rule making includes new sections and/or amendments to existing sections to clarify, streamline or otherwise increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of DCS processes. DCS encourages interested parties to read these proposed rules carefully, as they differ from the emergency rules in several respects. Current emergency rules have been filed as WSR 11-06-034 effective February 26, 2011.

     Amending WAC 388-14A-1020 What definitions apply to the rules regarding child support enforcement?, 388-14A-2035 Do I assign my rights to support when I receive public assistance?, 388-14A-2036 What does assigning my rights to support mean?, 388-14A-3100 How does the division of child support establish a child support obligation when there is no child support order?, 388-14A-3115 The notice and finding of financial responsibility is used to set child support when paternity is not an issue, 388-14A-3120 The notice and finding of parental responsibility is used to set child support when the father's duty of support is based upon an affidavit of paternity which is not a conclusive presumption of paternity, 388-14A-3125 DCS may establish ((The notice and finding of medical responsibility is used to set)) a medical support obligation when the custodial parent receiving medical assistance declines full child support enforcement services, 388-14A-3140 What can happen at a hearing on a support establishment notice?, 388-14A-3200 How does DCS determine my support obligation?, 388-14A-3205 How does DCS calculate my income?, 388-14A-3300 How does the division of child support require me to make my support payments to the Washington state support registry when my support order says to pay someone else?, 388-14A-3310 What notice does the division of child support serve((s a notice of support owed)) to establish a fixed dollar amount under an existing child support order((.))?, 388-14A-3312 The division of child support serves a notice of support owed ((for unreimbursed medical expenses)) to establish a fixed dollar amount owed ((under a child support order)) by either parent for medical support, 388-14A-3315 When DCS serves a notice of support debt ((or)), notice of support owed ((or)), notice of support owed for ((unreimbursed)) medical ((expenses)) support, we notify the other party to the child support order, 388-14A-3317 ((What is an annual review of a support order under RCW 26.23.110)) What happens if a parent makes a timely request for hearing on a notice of support owed?, 388-14A-3318 ((What is an annual review of a notice of support owed under WAC 388-14A-3312)) What happens if a parent makes an untimely request for hearing on a notice of support owed?, 388-14A-3320 What happens at a hearing on a notice of support owed?, 388-14A-3400 Are there limitations on how much of my income is available for child support?, 388-14A-4100 How does the division of child support enforce my obligation to provide health insurance for my children?, 388-14A-4110 If my support order requires me to provide ((health insurance)) medical support for my children, what do I have to do?, 388-14A-4112 When does the division of child support enforce a custodial parent's obligation to provide ((health insurance coverage)) medical support?, 388-14A-4115 Can my support order reduce my support obligation if I pay for health insurance?, 388-14A-4120 DCS uses the National Medical Support Notice to enforce an obligation to provide health insurance coverage, 388-14A-4165 What happens when a noncustodial parent does not earn enough to pay child support plus the health insurance premium?, 388-14A-4175 ((Is an employer)) Who is required to notify the division of child support when insurance coverage for the children ends?, 388-14A-4180 When must the division of child support communicate with the DSHS ((health and recovery services)) medicaid purchasing administration?, 388-14A-5007 If the paying parent has more than one case, can DCS apply support money to only one specific case?, 388-14A-6300 Duty of the administrative law judge in a hearing to determine the amount of a support obligation, and 388-14A-8130 How does DCS complete the WSCSS worksheets when setting a joint child support obligation ((when the parents of)) for a child in foster care ((are married and residing together))?; and new sections WAC 388-14A-3127 How does DCS ask to add a monthly financial obligation to an existing administrative order for medical support only?, 388-14A-3302 How does the division of child support decide what notice to serve when there is already an existing order for child support?, 388-14A-3311 How does DCS prepare a notice of support owed to determine amounts owed to establish a fixed dollar amount under an existing child support order?, 388-14A-3316 When can a notice of support owed become a final order?, 388-14A-3323 What happens in a hearing on a notice of support owed served under WAC 388-14A-3311?, 388-14A-3324 What happens in a hearing on a notice of support owed served under WAC 388-14A-3312?, 388-14A-3330 What are the procedures for the annual review of a notice of support owed?, 388-14A-3410 What amount does DCS use for the self-support reserve?, 388-14A-4111 When may DCS decline a request to enforce a medical support obligation?, 388-14A-4800 When does a child support order contain an undifferentiated amount of child support?, 388-14A-4810 How does DCS determine if a support order contains a differentiated or undifferentiated amount of support?, 388-14A-4820 What can I do if I don't agree with DCS' decision on whether my support order contains a differentiated or undifferentiated amount of support?, and 388-14A-4830 How does DCS divide support obligations between two or more cases when a support order does not contain a differentiated amount of support?

     Hearing Location(s): Office Building 2, Auditorium, DSHS Headquarters, 1115 Washington, Olympia, WA 98504 (public parking at 11th and Jefferson. A map is available at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/msa/rpau/RPAU-OB-2directions.html or by calling (360) 664-6094), on May 10, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: Not sooner than May 11, 2011.

     Submit Written Comments to: DSHS Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504-5850, delivery 1115 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, e-mail DSHSRPAURulesCoordinator@dshs.wa.gov, fax (360) 664-6185, by 5 p.m. on May 10, 2011.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Jennisha Johnson, DSHS rules consultant, by April 26, 2011, TTY (360) 664-6178 or (360) 664-6094 or by e-mail at johnsjl4@dshs.wa.gov.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: SHB 1845 and ESHB 1794 both impact the establishment of child support obligations, and so DCS determined that it was necessary to adopt just one set of rules which covers both bills instead of two separate rule-making projects. These bills made significant changes to the child support laws of the state of Washington, with ESHB 1794 making the first major changes to the Washington state child support schedule in almost twenty years. This rule making includes new sections and/or amendments to existing sections to clarify, streamline or otherwise increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of DCS processes. For a list of section numbers and titles, see above. Current emergency rules have been filed as WSR 11-06-034 effective February 26, 2011.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: Implements legislation (SHB 1845 and ESHB 1794) and adopts new sections and/or amendments to existing sections to clarify, streamline or otherwise increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 26.09.105(17), 26.18.170(19), 26.23.050(8), 26.23.110(14), 34.05.020, 34.05.060, 34.05.220, 74.08.090, 74.20.040, 74.20A.055(9), and 74.20A.056(11).

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 26.09.105(17), 26.18.170(19), 26.23.050(8), 26.23.110(14), 74.20A.055(9), and 74.20A.056(11).

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Department of social and health services, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Nancy Koptur, DCS HQ, P.O. Box 9162, Olympia, WA 98507-9162, (360) 664-5065.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This rule does not have an economic impact on small businesses. It only affects individuals who have support obligations or individuals who are owed child support.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The rule does meet the definition of a significant legislative rule but DSHS/DCS rules relating to the care of dependent children are exempt from preparing further analysis under RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(vii).

March 7, 2011

Katherine I. Vasquez

Rules Coordinator

     "Absence of a court order" means that there is no court order setting a support obligation for the noncustodial parent (NCP), or specifically relieving the NCP of a support obligation, for a particular child.

     "Absent parent" is a term used for a noncustodial parent.

     "Accessible coverage" means health insurance coverage which provides primary care services to the children with reasonable effort by the custodian.

     "Accrued debt" means past-due child support which has not been paid.

     "Administrative order" means a determination, finding, decree or order for support issued under RCW 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056, or 74.20A.059 or by another state's agency under an administrative process, establishing the existence of a support obligation (including medical support) and ordering the payment of a set or determinable amount of money for current support and/or a support debt. Administrative orders include:

     (1) An order entered under chapter 34.05 RCW;

     (2) An agreed settlement or consent order entered under WAC 388-14A-3600; and

     (3) A support establishment notice which has become final by operation of law.

     "Agency" means the Title IV-D provider of a state. In Washington, this is DCS.

     "Agreed settlement" is an administrative order that reflects the agreement of the noncustodial parent, the custodial parent and the division of child support. An agreed settlement does not require the approval of an administrative law judge.

     "Aid" or "public assistance" means cash assistance under the temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) program, the aid to families with dependent children (AFDC) program, federally funded or state-funded foster care, and includes day care benefits and medical benefits provided to families as an alternative or supplement to TANF.

     "Alternate recipient" means a child of the employee or retiree named within a support order as being entitled to coverage under an employer's group health plan.

     "Annual fee" means the twenty-five dollar annual fee charged between October 1 and September 30 each year, required by the federal deficit reduction act of 2005 and RCW 74.20.040.

     "Applicant/custodian" means a person who applies for nonassistance support enforcement services on behalf of a child or children residing in their household.

     "Applicant/recipient," "applicant," and "recipient" means a person who receives public assistance on behalf of a child or children residing in their household.

     "Arrears" means the debt amount owed for a period of time before the current month.

     "Assistance" means cash assistance under the state program funded under Title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act.

     "Assistance unit" means a cash assistance unit as defined in WAC 388-408-0005. An assistance unit is the group of people who live together and whose income or resources the department counts to decide eligibility for benefits and the amount of benefits.

     "Birth costs" means medical expenses incurred by the custodial parent or the state for the birth of a child.

     "Cash medical support" is a term used in RCW 26.09.105 and certain federal regulations to refer to amounts paid by an obligated parent to the other parent or to the state in order to comply with the medical support obligation stated in a child support order.

     "Conditionally assigned arrears" means those temporarily assigned arrears remaining on a case after the period of public assistance ends.

     "Conference board" means a method used by the division of child support for resolving complaints regarding DCS cases and for granting exceptional or extraordinary relief from debt.

     "Consent order" means a support order that reflects the agreement of the noncustodial parent, the custodial parent and the division of child support. A consent order requires the approval of an administrative law judge.

     "Court order" means a judgment, decree or order of a Washington state superior court, another state's court of comparable jurisdiction, or a tribal court.

     "Current support" or "current and future support" means the amount of child support which is owed for each month.

     "Custodial parent or CP" means the person, whether a parent or not, with whom a dependent child resides the majority of the time period for which the division of child support seeks to establish or enforce a support obligation.

     "Date the state assumes responsibility for the support of a dependent child on whose behalf support is sought" means the date that the TANF or AFDC program grant is effective. For purposes of this chapter, the state remains responsible for the support of a dependent child until public assistance terminates, or support enforcement services end, whichever occurs later.

     "Delinquency" means failure to pay current child support when due.

     "Department" means the Washington state department of social and health services (DSHS).

     "Dependent child" means a person:

     (1) Seventeen years of age or younger who is not self-supporting, married, or a member of the United States armed forces;

     (2) Eighteen years of age or older for whom a court order requires support payments past age eighteen;

     (3) Eighteen years of age or older, but under nineteen years of age, for whom an administrative support order exists if the child is participating full-time in a secondary school program or the same level of vocational or technical training.

     "Differentiated support amount" means an amount of child support that represents a parent's support obligation for more than one child and may justifiably be divided into "per child" amounts for each child covered by the support order, based on information contained in the support order.

     "Differentiated support order" means a child support order which provides a monthly amount of child support for two or more children, and either provides a specific support obligation for each child or provides enough information in the order so that the monthly amount may justifiably be divided into a "per child" amount for each child covered by the support order.

     "Disbursement" means the amount of child support distributed to a case that is paid to the family, state, other child support enforcement agency in another state or foreign country, Indian tribe, or person or entity making the payment.

     "Disposable earnings" means the amount of earnings remaining after the deduction of amounts required by law to be withheld.

     "Distribution" means how a collection is allocated or split within a case or among multiple cases.

     "Earnings" means compensation paid or payable for personal service. Earnings include:

     (1) Wages or salary;

     (2) Commissions and bonuses;

     (3) Periodic payments under pension plans, retirement programs, and insurance policies of any type;

     (4) Disability payments under Title 51 RCW;

     (5) Unemployment compensation under RCW 50.40.020, 50.40.050 and Title 74 RCW;

     (6) Gains from capital, labor, or a combination of the two; and

     (7) The fair value of nonmonetary compensation received in exchange for personal services.

     "Employee" means a person to whom an employer is paying, owes, or anticipates paying earnings in exchange for services performed for the employer.

     "Employer" means any person or organization having an employment relationship with any person. This includes:

     (1) Partnerships and associations;

     (2) Trusts and estates;

     (3) Joint stock companies and insurance companies;

     (4) Domestic and foreign corporations;

     (5) The receiver or trustee in bankruptcy; and

     (6) The trustee or legal representative of a deceased person.

     "Employment" means personal services of whatever nature, including service in interstate commerce, performed for earnings or under any contract for personal services. Such a contract may be written or oral, express or implied.

     "Family" means the person or persons on whose behalf support is sought, which may include a custodial parent and one or more children, or a child or children in foster care placement. The family is sometimes called the assistance unit.

     "Family arrears" means the amount of past-due support owed to the family, which has not been conditionally, temporarily or permanently assigned to a state. Also called "nonassistance arrears."

     "Family member" means the caretaker relative, the child(ren), and any other person whose needs are considered in determining eligibility for assistance.

     "Foreign order" means a court or administrative order entered by a tribunal other than one in the state of Washington.

     "Foster care case" means a case referred to the Title IV-D agency by the Title IV-E agency, which is the state division of child and family services (DCFS).

     "Fraud," for the purposes of vacating an agreed settlement or consent order, means:

     (1) The representation of the existence or the nonexistence of a fact;

     (2) The representation's materiality;

     (3) The representation's falsity;

     (4) The speaker's knowledge that the representation is false;

     (5) The speaker's intent that the representation should be acted on by the person to whom it is made;

     (6) Ignorance of the falsity on the part of the person to whom it is made;

     (7) The latter's:

     (a) Reliance on the truth of the representation;

     (b) Right to rely on it; and

     (c) Subsequent damage.

     "Full support enforcement services" means the entire range of services available in a Title IV-D case.

     "Good cause" for the purposes of late hearing requests and petitions to vacate orders on default means a substantial reason or legal justification for delay, including but not limited to the grounds listed in civil rule 60. The time periods used in civil rule 60 apply to good cause determinations in this chapter.

     "Head of household" means the parent or parents with whom the dependent child or children were residing at the time of placement in foster care.

     "Health care costs" means medical expenses. Certain statutes in chapter 26.19 RCW refer to medical expenses as health care costs.

     "Health insurance" means insurance coverage for all medical services related to an individual's general health and well being. These services include, but are not limited to: Medical/surgical (inpatient, outpatient, physician) care, medical equipment (crutches, wheel chairs, prosthesis, etc.), pharmacy products, optometric care, dental care, orthodontic care, preventive care, mental health care, and physical therapy.

     "Health insurance coverage" does not include medical assistance provided under chapter 74.09 RCW.

     "Hearing" means an adjudicative proceeding authorized by this chapter, or chapters 26.23, 74.20 and 74.20A RCW, conducted under chapter 388-02 WAC and chapter 34.05 RCW.

     "I/me" means the person asking the question which appears as the title of a rule.

     "Income" includes:

     (1) All gains in real or personal property;

     (2) Net proceeds from the sale or exchange of real or personal property;

     (3) Earnings;

     (4) Interest and dividends;

     (5) Proceeds of insurance policies;

     (6) Other periodic entitlement to money from any source; and

     (7) Any other property subject to withholding for support under the laws of this state.

     "Income withholding action" includes all withholding actions which DCS is authorized to take, and includes but is not limited to the following actions:

     (1) Asserting liens under RCW 74.20A.060;

     (2) Serving and enforcing liens under chapter 74.20A RCW;

     (3) Issuing orders to withhold and deliver under chapter 74.20A RCW;

     (4) Issuing notices of payroll deduction under chapter 26.23 RCW; and

     (5) Obtaining wage assignment orders under RCW 26.18.080.

     "Locate" can mean efforts to obtain service of a support establishment notice in the manner prescribed by WAC 388-14A-3105.

     "Medical assistance" means medical benefits under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act provided to families as an alternative or supplement to TANF.

     "Medical expenses" for the purpose of establishing support obligations under RCW 26.09.105, 74.20A.055 and 74.20A.056, or for the purpose of enforcement action under chapters 26.23, 74.20 and 74.20A RCW, including the notice of support debt and the notice of support owed, means((:

     •)) medical costs incurred on behalf of a child, which include:

     • Medical services related to an individual's general health and well-being, including but not limited to, medical/surgical care, preventive care, mental health care and physical therapy; and

     • Prescribed medical equipment and prescribed pharmacy products;

     • Health care coverage, such as coverage under a health insurance plan, including the cost of premiums for coverage of a child;

     • Dental and optometrical costs incurred on behalf of a child; and

     • Copayments and/or deductibles incurred on behalf of a child.

     Medical expenses are sometimes also called health care costs or medical costs.

     "Medical support" means ((either or both)) any combination of the following:

     (1) ((Medical expenses; and

     (2))) Health insurance coverage for a dependent child;

     (2) Amounts owed by one parent to the other parent as a monthly payment toward the premium paid by the other parent for health insurance coverage for a dependent child;

     (3) Amounts owed by a noncustodial parent to the state as a monthly payment toward the cost of managed care coverage for the child by the state, if the child receives state-financed medical coverage through the department under chapter 74.09 RCW for which there is an assignment; and

     (4) Amounts owed by one parent to the other parent as his or her proportionate share of uninsured medical expenses for a dependent child.

     "Monthly payment toward the premium" means a parent's contribution toward:

     • Premiums paid by the other parent for insurance coverage for the child; or

     • Amounts paid for managed care coverage for the child by the state, if the child receives state-financed medical coverage through the department under chapter 74.09 RCW for which there is an assignment.

     This contribution is based on the obligated parent's proportionate share of the premium paid, but may not exceed twenty-five percent of the obligated parent's basic support obligation.

     "National Medical Support Notice" or "NMSN" is a federally mandated form that DCS uses to enforce a health insurance support obligation; the NMSN is a notice of enrollment as described in RCW 26.18.170.

     "Noncustodial parent or NCP" means the natural parent, adoptive parent, responsible stepparent or person who signed and filed an affidavit acknowledging paternity, from whom the state seeks support for a dependent child. A parent is considered to be an NCP when for the majority of the time during the period for which support is sought, the dependent child resided somewhere other than with that parent.

     "Nonmedical expenses" means amounts incurred on behalf of a child which are not medical expenses as defined in this chapter. Nonmedical expenses include, but are not limited to, day care or other special childrearing expenses such as tuition and long-distance transportation costs to and from the parents for visitation purposes.

     "Obligated parent" means a parent who is required under a child support order to provide health insurance coverage or to reimburse the other parent for his or her share of medical expenses for a dependent child. The obligated parent could be either the NCP or the CP.

     "Other ordinary expense" means an expense incurred by a parent which:

     (1) Directly benefits the dependent child; and

     (2) Relates to the parent's residential time or visitation with the child.

     "Participant" means an employee or retiree who is eligible for coverage under an employer group health plan.

     "Pass-through" means the portion of a support collection distributed to assigned support that the state pays to a family currently receiving TANF.

     "Past support" means support arrears.

     "Paternity testing" means blood testing or genetic tests of blood, tissue or bodily fluids. This is also called genetic testing.

     "Payment services only" or "PSO" means a case on which the division of child support's activities are limited to recording and distributing child support payments, and maintaining case records. A PSO case is not a IV-D case.

     "Permanently assigned arrears" means those arrears which the state may collect and retain up to the amount of unreimbursed assistance.

     "Physical custodian" means custodial parent (CP).

     "Plan administrator" means the person or entity which performs those duties specified under 29 USC 1002 (16)(A) for a health plan. If no plan administrator is specifically so designated by the plan's organizational documents, the plan's sponsor is the administrator of the plan. Sometimes an employer acts as its own plan administrator.

     "Private insurance" means accessible health insurance for a child provided by a parent without the need for service of a national medical support notice, and does not include health insurance provided by the state without a contribution from either parent.

     "Proportionate share" or "proportional share" means an amount equal to a parent's percentage share of the combined monthly net income of both parents as computed on the worksheets when determining a parent's child support obligation under chapter 26.19 RCW.

     "Putative father" includes all men who may possibly be the father of the child or children on whose behalf the application for assistance or support enforcement services is made.

     "Reasonable efforts to locate" means any of the following actions performed by the division of child support:

     (1) Mailing a support establishment notice to the noncustodial parent in the manner described in WAC 388-14A-3105;

     (2) Referral to a sheriff or other server of process, or to a locate service or department employee for locate activities;

     (3) Tracing activity such as:

     (a) Checking local telephone directories and attempts by telephone or mail to contact the custodial parent, relatives of the noncustodial parent, past or present employers, or the post office;

     (b) Contacting state agencies, unions, financial institutions or fraternal organizations;

     (c) Searching periodically for identification information recorded by other state agencies, federal agencies, credit bureaus, or other record-keeping agencies or entities; or

     (d) Maintaining a case in the division of child support's automated locate program, which is a continuous search process.

     (4) Referral to the state or federal parent locator service;

     (5) Referral to the attorney general, prosecuting attorney, the IV-D agency of another state, or the Department of the Treasury for specific legal or collection action;

     (6) Attempting to confirm the existence of and to obtain a copy of a paternity acknowledgment; or

     (7) Conducting other actions reasonably calculated to produce information regarding the NCP's whereabouts.

     "Required support obligation for the current month" means the amount set by a superior court order, tribal court order, or administrative order for support which is due in the month in question.

     "Resident" means a person physically present in the state of Washington who intends to make their home in this state. A temporary absence from the state does not destroy residency once it is established.

     "Residential care" means foster care, either state or federally funded.

     "Residential parent" means the custodial parent (CP), or the person with whom the child resides that majority of the time.

     "Responsible parent" is a term sometimes used for a noncustodial parent.

     "Responsible stepparent" means a stepparent who has established an in loco parentis relationship with the dependent child.

     "Retained support" means a debt owed to the division of child support by anyone other than a noncustodial parent.

     "Satisfaction of judgment" means payment in full of a court-ordered support obligation, or a determination that such an obligation is no longer enforceable.

     "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of social and health services or the secretary's designee.

     "Self-support reserve" or "self support reserve" means an amount equal to one hundred twenty-five percent of the federal poverty guideline for a one-person family.

     "State" means a state or political subdivision, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a federally recognized Indian tribe or a foreign country.

     "Superior court order" means a judgment, decree or order of a Washington state superior court, or of another state's court of comparable jurisdiction.

     "Support debt" means support which was due under a support order but has not been paid. This includes:

     (1) Delinquent support;

     (2) A debt for the payment of expenses for the reasonable or necessary care, support and maintenance including medical expenses, birth costs, child care costs, and special child rearing expenses of a dependent child or other person;

     (3) A debt under RCW 74.20A.100 or 74.20A.270; or

     (4) Accrued interest, fees, or penalties charged on a support debt, and attorney's fees and other litigation costs awarded in an action under Title IV-D to establish or enforce a support obligation.

     "Support enforcement services" means all actions the Title IV-D agency is required to perform under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act and state law.

     "Support establishment notice" means a notice and finding of financial responsibility under WAC 388-14A-3115, a notice and finding of parental responsibility under WAC 388-14A-3120, or a notice and finding of medical responsibility under WAC 388-14A-3125.

     "Support money" means money paid to satisfy a support obligation, whether it is called child support, spousal support, alimony, maintenance, enforcement of medical expenses, health insurance, or birth costs.

     "Support obligation" means the obligation to provide for the necessary care, support and maintenance of a dependent child or other person as required by law, including health insurance coverage, medical expenses, birth costs, and child care or special child rearing expenses.

     "Support order" means any determination, finding, decree or order that sets a child support obligation (including medical support) and orders the payment of a set or determinable amount of money for current support and/or a support debt. The term "support order" includes a court order, administrative order or tribal court order.

     "Temporarily assigned arrears" means those arrears which accrue prior to the family receiving assistance, for assistance applications dated on or after October 1, 1997, but before October 1, 2008. After the family terminates assistance, temporarily assigned arrears become conditionally assigned arrears.

     "Temporary assistance for needy families," or "TANF" means cash assistance under the temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) program under Title IV-A of the Social Security Act.

     "Title IV-A" means Title IV-A of the Social Security Act established under Title XX of the Social Security amendments and as incorporated in Title 42 USC.

     "Title IV-A agency" means the part of the department of social and health services which carries out the state's responsibilities under the temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) program (and the aid for dependent children (AFDC) program when it existed).

     "Title IV-D" means Title IV-D of the Social Security Act established under Title XX of the Social Security amendments and as incorporated in Title 42 USC.

     "Title IV-D agency" or "IV-D agency" means the division of child support, which is the agency responsible for carrying out the Title IV-D plan in the state of Washington. Also refers to the Washington state support registry (WSSR).

     "Title IV-D case" is a case in which the division of child support provides services which qualifies for funding under the Title IV-D plan.

     "Title IV-D plan" means the plan established under the conditions of Title IV-D and approved by the secretary, Department of Health and Human Services.

     "Title IV-E" means Title IV-E of the Social Security Act established under Title XX of the Social Security amendments and as incorporated in Title 42 U.S.C.

     "Title IV-E case" means a foster care case.

     "Tribal TANF" means a temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) program run by a tribe.

     "Tribunal" means a state court, tribal court, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial entity authorized to establish, enforce or modify support orders or to determine parentage.

     "Underlying order" means an existing child support order for which DCS serves a notice of support owed under RCW 26.23.110 to determine a sum certain support obligation.

     "Undifferentiated support amount" means an amount of child support that represents a parent's support obligation for more than one child which cannot justifiably be divided into "per child" amounts for each child covered by the support order.

     "Undifferentiated support order" means a child support order which provides a monthly amount of child support for two or more children, but does not provide a specific support obligation for each child or does not contain enough information in either the order or the worksheets associated with the order to justify dividing the monthly amount into "per child" amounts for each child covered by the support order.

     "Uninsured medical expenses":

     (((1))) For the purpose of establishing or enforcing support obligations ((under RCW 26.23.110,)) means:

     (((a))) (1) Medical expenses not paid by insurance for medical, dental, prescription and optometrical costs incurred on behalf of a child; and

     (((b))) (2) Premiums, copayments, or deductibles incurred on behalf of a child((; and

     (2) Includes health insurance premiums that represent the only health insurance covering a dependent child when either:

     (a) Health insurance for the child is not required by a support order or cannot be enforced by the division of child support (DCS); or

     (b) The premium for covering the child exceeds the maximum limit provided in the support order)).

     "Unreimbursed assistance" means the cumulative amount of assistance which was paid to the family and which has not been reimbursed by assigned support collections.

     "Unreimbursed medical expenses" means any amounts paid by one parent for uninsured medical expenses, which that parent claims the obligated parent owes under a child support order, which percentage share is stated in the child support order itself, not just in the worksheets.

     "We" means the division of child support, part of the department of social and health services of the state of Washington.

     "WSSR" is the Washington state support registry.

     "You" means the reader of the rules, a member of the public, or a recipient of support enforcement services.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 26.18.170, 26.23.035, 26.23.050, [26.23.]110, 74.20.040, 74.20A.030, [74.20A.]055, [74.20A.]056, and 74.20A.310. 09-02-059, § 388-14A-1020, filed 1/5/09, effective 1/27/09. Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-1020, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.20A.310, 45 C.F.R. 302.31 and 302.33. 06-03-120, § 388-14A-1020, filed 1/17/06, effective 2/17/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056, 74.20A.310. 05-14-101, § 388-14A-1020, filed 6/30/05, effective 7/31/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.20A.310, and 26.18.170, 42 U.S.C. 666 (a)(19), Child Support Performance and Incentives Act of 1998, 45 C.F.R. 303.31, and 45 C.F.R. 303.32. 04-17-119, § 388-14A-1020, filed 8/17/04, effective 9/17/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-1020, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-11-011 and 388-14-020.]

     (2) As a condition of eligibility for assistance, a family member must assign to the state the right to collect and keep, subject to the limitation in subsection (3), any support owing to the family member or to any other person for whom the family member has applied for or is receiving assistance.

     (3) Amounts assigned under this section may not exceed the lesser of the total amount of assistance paid to the family or the total amount of the assigned support obligation.

     (4) When you receive medicaid or medical benefits, you assign your rights to medical support to the state. This applies to all recipients of medical assistance under the state program funded under Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act:

     (a) If your children receive medicaid or other state-financed medical coverage through the department under chapter 74.09 RCW for which there is an assignment and if your order provides for the payment of a monthly payment toward the premium when the obligated parent does not provide coverage, the division of child support (DCS) may serve a notice of support owed to establish the amount owed by the noncustodial parent as a monthly payment toward the premium paid for coverage by the state, as provided in WAC 388-14A-3312.

     (b) Any amounts established under WAC 388-14A-3312 for periods while your children receive medicaid or other state-financed medical coverage are assigned to the state and are distributed as provided in WAC 388-14A-5001 through 388-14A-5050.

     (c) Amounts assigned under this section may not exceed the lesser of the total amount of premiums paid by the state for your children or the total amount of the assigned monthly payment toward the premium.

     (5) In addition to the assignment described in this section, there is an assignment of support rights under Title IV-E of the social security act when a child receives foster care services.

     (a) The state provides foster care programs which may be federally-funded or state funded, or may place a child with a relative.

     (b) As part of its state plan under Title IV-D of the social security act and 45 CFR 302.52, DCS provides child support enforcement services for foster care cases as required by 45 CFR 302.33, RCW 74.20.330 and 74.20A.030.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.20A.310, 45 C.F.R. 302.31 and 302.33. 06-03-120, § 388-14A-2035, filed 1/17/06, effective 2/17/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.270, 74.20A.310. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-2035, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-14-200.]

     (a) Any support owing to the family member or to any other person for whom the family member has applied for or is receiving assistance if the family applied for cash public assistance before October 1, 2008.

     (b) Support owing to the family member, or to any other person for whom the family member has applied for or is receiving cash public assistance, for any month during which the family receives assistance.

     (2) While your family receives assistance, support is distributed and disbursed in accordance with WAC 388-14A-5000 through 388-14A-5015.

     (3) After your family terminates from assistance, certain accrued arrears remain assigned to the state in accordance with the following rules:

     (a) For assistance applications dated prior to October 1, 1997, you permanently assigned to the state all rights to support which accrued before the application date until the date your family terminated from assistance.

     (b) For assistance applications dated on or after October 1, 1997, and before October 1, 2000:

     (i) You permanently assigned to the state all rights to support which accrued while your family receives assistance; and

     (ii) You temporarily assigned to the state all rights to support which accrued before the application date, until October 1, 2000, or when your family terminated from assistance, whichever date is later.

     (c) For assistance applications dated on or after October 1, 2000, and before October 1, 2008:

     (i) You permanently assigned to the state all rights to support which accrued while the family received assistance; and

     (ii) You temporarily assigned to the state all rights to support which accrued before the application date, until the date your family terminated from assistance.

     (d) For assistance applications dated on or after October 1, 2008, you permanently assign to the state all rights to support which accrue while the family receives assistance.

     (4) When you assign your medical support rights to the state, you authorize the state on behalf of yourself and the children in your care to enforce the noncustodial parent's full duty to provide medical support.

     (a) When you begin receiving medicaid or medical assistance, you do not assign to the state any accrued medical support arrears that may be owed to you by the noncustodial parent (NCP).

     (b) If your support order provides for the payment of a monthly payment toward the premium when the obligated parent does not provide coverage, the division of child support (DCS) may serve a notice of support owed to establish the amount owed by the NCP as a monthly payment toward the premium paid for coverage by the state, as provided in WAC 388-14A-3312.

     (c) After you terminate medicaid or medical assistance, any assigned medical arrears remain assigned to the state.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 26.18.170, 26.23.035, 26.23.050, [26.23.]110, 74.20.040, 74.20A.030, [74.20A.]055, [74.20A.]056, and 74.20A.310. 09-02-059, § 388-14A-2036, filed 1/5/09, effective 1/27/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.20A.310, 45 C.F.R. 302.31 and 302.33. 06-03-120, § 388-14A-2036, filed 1/17/06, effective 2/17/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.270, 74.20A.310. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-2036, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-14-200.]

     (2) DCS may serve a support establishment notice when there is no order that:

     (a) Establishes the ((noncustodial parent's)) NCP's support obligation for the child(ren) named in the notice; or

     (b) Specifically relieves the ((noncustodial parent)) NCP of a support obligation for the child(ren) named in the notice.

     (3) Whether support is based upon an administrative order or a court order, DCS may serve a support establishment notice when the parties to a paternity order subsequently marry each other and then separate, or parties to a decree of dissolution remarry each other and then separate. The remaining provisions of the paternity order or the decree of dissolution, including provisions establishing paternity, remain in effect.

     (4) Depending on the legal relationship between the NCP and the child for whom support is being set, DCS serves one of the following support establishment notices:

     (a) Notice and finding of financial responsibility (NFFR), see WAC 388-14A-3115. This notice is used when the NCP is either the mother or the legal father of the child. WAC 388-14A-3102 describes when DCS uses a NFFR to set the support obligation of a father who has signed an acknowledgment or affidavit of paternity.

     (b) Notice and finding of parental responsibility (NFPR), see WAC 388-14A-3120. This notice is used when the NCP was not married to the mother but has filed an affidavit or acknowledgment of paternity. WAC 388-14A-3102 describes when DCS uses a NFPR to set the support obligation of a father who has signed an acknowledgment or affidavit of paternity.

     (c) "Medical support only" NFFR or NFPR, which as of October 1, 2009, replaced the notice and finding of medical responsibility (NFMR), see WAC 388-14A-3125. ((This notice)) A medical support only NFFR or NFPR, whichever is appropriate, is used when DCS seeks to set only a medical support obligation instead of a monetary child support obligation.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.056, 74.20A.310, 26.26.315, 26.26.320, 26.26.330, 26.26.335, 74.20A.055, 2002 c 302, and 2002 c 199. 03-17-013, § 388-14A-3100, filed 8/12/03, effective 9/12/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056. 00-15-016 and 00-20-022, § 388-14A-3100, filed 7/10/00 and 9/25/00, effective 11/6/00.]

     (2) The NFFR:

     (a) Advises the noncustodial parent and the custodial parent (who can be either a parent or the physical custodian of the child) of the support obligation for the child or children named in the notice. The NFFR fully and fairly advises the parents of their rights and responsibilities under the NFFR.

     (b) Includes the information required by RCW 26.23.050 and 74.20A.055.

     (c) Includes a provision that both parents are obligated to provide medical support, as required by RCW 26.09.105, 26.18.170 and 26.23.050. This requirement does not apply to the custodial parent when the custodial parent is not one of the parents of the child covered by the order.

     (d) Includes a provision that apportions the share of uninsured medical expenses to both the mother and the father, pursuant to RCW 26.09.105, 26.18.170 and 26.23.050.

     (e) May include an obligation for the noncustodial parent to ((provide support for)) contribute his or her proportionate share of the cost of day care or ((special child-rearing expenses)) childcare, ((pursuant to chapter 26.19 RCW)) which may be stated either as a sum certain amount per month, or as a proportion of the expenses incurred by the custodial parent.

     (f) Warns the noncustodial parent (NCP) and the custodial parent (CP) that at an administrative hearing, the administrative law judge (ALJ) may set the support obligation in an amount higher or lower than, or different from, the amount stated in the NFFR, if necessary for an accurate support order.

     (3) As provided in WAC 388-14A-3125, DCS may serve a notice and finding of financial responsibility that can become an enforceable order for support to establish and enforce a health insurance obligation.

     (a) This type of NFFR is called "medical support only" NFFR.

     (b) DCS uses a medical support only NFFR when the custodial parent has requested medical support enforcement services only and has asked DCS in writing not to collect monetary child support.

     (c) A medical support only NFFR does not include a monthly financial support obligation, but may include:

     (i) An obligation to pay a monthly payment toward the premium paid by the CP or the state for health insurance coverage for the child(ren); and

     (ii) An obligation to pay a proportionate share of the child(ren)'s uninsured medical expenses.

     (d) An administrative order resulting from a medical support only NFFR may later be modified to include a monthly financial support obligation, as provided in WAC 388-14A-3925(2).

     (4) After service of the NFFR, the NCP and the CP must notify DCS of any change of address, or of any changes that may affect the support obligation.

     (((4))) (5) The NCP must make all support payments to the Washington state support registry after service of the NFFR. DCS does not give the NCP credit for payments made to any other party after service of a NFFR, except as provided by WAC 388-14A-3375.

     (((5))) (6) DCS may take immediate wage withholding action and enforcement action without further notice under chapters 26.18, 26.23, and 74.20A RCW when the NFFR is a final order. WAC 388-14A-3110 describes when the notice becomes a final order.

     (((6))) (7) In most cases, a child support obligation continues until the child reaches the age of eighteen. WAC 388-14A-3810 describes when the obligation under the NFFR can end sooner or later than age eighteen.

     (((7))) (8) If paternity has been established by an affidavit or acknowledgment of paternity, DCS attaches a copy of the acknowledgment, affidavit, or certificate of birth record information to the notice. A party wishing to challenge the acknowledgment or denial of paternity may only bring an action in court to rescind or challenge the acknowledgment or denial of paternity under RCW 26.26.330 and 26.26.335.

     (((8))) (9) If the parents filed a paternity affidavit or acknowledgment of paternity in another state, and by that state's law paternity is therefore conclusively established, DCS may serve a NFFR to establish a support obligation.

     (((9))) (10) A hearing on a NFFR is for the limited purpose of resolving the NCP's accrued support debt and current support obligation. The hearing is not for the purpose of setting a payment schedule on the support debt. The NCP has the burden of proving any defenses to liability.

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-3115, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.160. 06-09-015, § 388-14A-3115, filed 4/10/06, effective 5/11/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.056, 74.20A.310, 26.26.315, 26.26.320, 26.26.330, 26.26.335, 74.20A.055, 2002 c 302, and 2002 c 199. 03-17-013, § 388-14A-3115, filed 8/12/03, effective 9/12/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056. 00-15-016 and 00-20-022, § 388-14A-3115, filed 7/10/00 and 9/25/00, effective 11/6/00. Formerly WAC 388-11-285.]

     (2) The NFPR differs from a notice and finding of financial responsibility (NFFR) (see WAC 388-14A-3115) because the parties may request genetic testing to contest paternity after being served with a NFPR.

     (3) DCS serves a NFPR when:

     (a) An affidavit acknowledging paternity is on file with the center for health statistics and was filed before July 1, 1997; or

     (b) An affidavit acknowledging paternity is on file with the vital records agency of another state and the laws of that state allow the parents to withdraw the affidavit or challenge paternity.

     (4) DCS attaches a copy of the acknowledgment of paternity or certification of birth record information to the NFPR.

     (5) The NFPR advises the noncustodial parent (NCP) and the custodial parent (who is either the mother or the physical custodian of the child) of the support obligation for the child or children named in the notice. The NFPR fully and fairly advises the parents of their rights and responsibilities under the NFPR. The NFPR warns the NCP and the custodial parent (CP) that at an administrative hearing on the notice, the administrative law judge (ALJ) may set the support obligation in an amount higher or lower than, or different from, the amount stated in the NFPR, if necessary for an accurate support order.

     (6) The NFPR includes the information required by RCW 26.23.050, 74.20A.055, and 74.20A.056.

     (7) The NFPR includes a provision that both parents are obligated to provide medical support, pursuant to RCW 26.09.105, 26.18.170 and 26.23.050. This requirement does not apply to the custodial parent when the custodial parent is not one of the parents of the child covered by the order.

     (8) The NFPR includes a provision that apportions the share of uninsured medical expenses to both the mother and the father, pursuant to RCW 26.09.105, 26.18.170 and 26.23.050.

     (9) The NFPR may include an obligation for the noncustodial parent to ((provide support for)) contribute his or her proportionate share of the cost of day care expenses or ((special child-rearing expenses)) childcare, ((pursuant to chapter 26.19 RCW)) which may be stated either as a sum certain amount per month, or as a proportion of the expenses incurred by the custodial parent.

     (10) DCS may not assess an accrued support debt for a period longer than five years before the NFPR is served. This limitation does not apply to the extent that the NCP hid or left the state of Washington for the purpose of avoiding service.

     (11) As provided in WAC 388-14A-3125, DCS may serve a notice and finding of parental responsibility that can become an enforceable order for support to establish and enforce a health insurance obligation.

     (a) This type of NFPR is called a "medical support only" NFPR.

     (b) DCS uses a medical support only NFPR when the custodial parent has requested medical support enforcement services only and has asked DCS in writing not to collect monetary child support.

     (c) A medical support only NFPR does not include a monthly financial support obligation, but may include:

     (i) An obligation to pay a monthly payment toward the premium paid by the CP or the state for health insurance coverage for the child(ren); and

     (ii) An obligation to pay a proportionate share of the child(ren)'s uninsured medical expenses.

     (d) An administrative order resulting from a medical support only NFPR may later be modified to include a monthly financial support obligation, as provided in WAC 388-14A-3925(2).

     (12) After service of the NFPR, the NCP and the CP must notify DCS of any change of address, or of any changes that may affect the support obligation.

     (((12))) (13) The NCP must make all support payments to the Washington state support registry after service of the NFPR. DCS does not give the NCP credit for payments made to any other party after service of the NFPR, except as provided by 388-14A-3375.

     (((13))) (14) DCS may take immediate wage withholding action and enforcement action without further notice under chapters 26.18, 26.23, and 74.20A RCW when the NFPR is a final order. See WAC 388-14A-3110 for when the notice becomes a final order.

     (((14))) (15) In most cases, a child support obligation continues until the child reaches the age of eighteen. WAC 388-14A-3810 describes when the obligation under the NFPR can end sooner or later than age eighteen.

     (((15))) (16) Either the NCP, or the mother, if she is also the CP, may request genetic tests. A mother who is not the CP may at any time request that DCS refer the case for paternity establishment in the superior court.

     (((16))) (17) DCS does not stop enforcement of the order unless DCS receives a timely request for hearing or a timely request for genetic tests. See WAC 388-14A-3110 for time limits. DCS does not refund any money collected under the notice if the NCP is later:

     (a) Excluded from being the father by genetic tests; or

     (b) Found not to be the father by a court of competent jurisdiction.

     (((17))) (18) If the NCP requested genetic tests and was not excluded as the father, he may request within twenty days from the date of service of the genetic tests in Washington, or sixty days from the date of service of the genetic tests outside of Washington:

     (a) A hearing on the NFPR.

     (b) That DCS initiate a parentage action in superior court under chapter 26.26 RCW.

     (((18))) (19) If the NCP was not excluded as the father, the CP (or the mother, if she is also the CP), may within twenty days of the date of service of the genetic tests request:

     (a) A hearing on the NFPR; or

     (b) That DCS initiate a parentage action in superior court under chapter 26.26 RCW.

     (((19))) (20) If the NCP is excluded by genetic testing, DCS may refer the case for paternity establishment in the superior court.

     (((20))) (21) A hearing on a NFPR is for the limited purpose of resolving the NCP's current support obligation, accrued support debt and amount of reimbursement to DCS for paternity-related costs. The hearing is not for the purpose of setting a payment schedule on the support debt. The NCP has the burden of proving any defenses to liability.

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-3120, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.160. 06-09-015, § 388-14A-3120, filed 4/10/06, effective 5/11/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 26.26.315, 26.26.320, 26.26.330, 26.26.335, 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056, 74.20A.310. 05-12-136, § 388-14A-3120, filed 6/1/05, effective 7/2/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.056, 74.20A.310, 26.26.315, 26.26.320, 26.26.330, 26.26.335, 74.20A.055, 2002 c 302, and 2002 c 199. 03-17-013, § 388-14A-3120, filed 8/12/03, effective 9/12/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056. 00-15-016 and 00-20-022, § 388-14A-3120, filed 7/10/00 and 9/25/00, effective 11/6/00. Formerly WAC 388-11-290.]

     (c) DCS uses the medical support only NFFR or NFPR as of October 1, 2009.

     (2) DCS may serve a ((NFMR)) medical support only NFFR or a medical support only NFPR when:

     (a) The custodial parent (who is either a parent or the physical custodian of the child) or a dependent child receives or is certified eligible to receive medical assistance and is not receiving cash grant public assistance under 74.12 RCW; and

     (b) The custodial parent has requested medical support enforcement services only and has asked DCS in writing not to collect monetary child support.

     (3) The ((NFMR)) medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR advises the noncustodial parent (NCP) and the CP (when appropriate) of ((the)) their respective medical support obligations for the children named in the notice. The ((NFMR)) medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR fully and fairly advises the parties of their rights and responsibilities under the ((NFMR)) medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR.

     (4) The ((NFMR)) medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR warns the ((noncustodial parent and the custodial parent)) NCP and the CP that at an administrative hearing on the notice, the administrative law judge (ALJ) may set the support obligation in an amount higher or lower than, or different from, the amount stated in the ((NFMR)) notice, if necessary for an accurate support order.

     (5) The ((NFMR)) medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR includes:

     (a) The information required by RCW 26.23.050;

     (b) The ((noncustodial parent's health insurance)) medical support obligation of both parents, pursuant to RCW 26.18.170;

     (c) The maximum premium amount ((the noncustodial parent)) each obligated parent must pay; and

     (d) The income basis used to calculate the maximum premium amount, pursuant to WAC 388-14A-3200.

     (6) The income basis for an obligation established by DCS for a ((NFMR)) medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR is not binding on any party in any later action to establish a ((cash)) monthly financial child support obligation.

     (7) After service of the ((NFMR)) medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR, both the ((noncustodial parent (NCP) and the custodial parent)) NCP and CP must notify DCS of any change of address, or of any changes that may affect the support obligation.

     (8) DCS may take enforcement action under RCW 26.18.170 and chapter 388-14A WAC without further notice when the ((NFMR)) medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR is a final order. See WAC 388-14A-3110 for how a notice becomes a final order.

     (9) In most cases, a child support obligation continues until the child reaches the age of eighteen. WAC 388-14A-3810 describes when the obligation under the ((NFMR)) medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR can end sooner or later than age eighteen.

     (10) If the ((custodial parent)) CP applies for full enforcement services or if a TANF grant opens while a hearing on a ((NFMR)) medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR is pending, DCS may, at any time before the hearing record is closed, convert the hearing to a hearing on a notice and finding of financial responsibility (NFFR) under WAC 388-14A-3115 or a notice and finding of parental responsibility (NFPR) under WAC 388-14A-3120. To convert the hearing, DCS serves a NFFR or NFPR on the parents and files a copy with the administrative law judge (ALJ). The ALJ may grant a continuance if a party requests additional time to respond to the claim for monetary child support.

     (11) In a ((NFMR)) hearing on a medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR, the ALJ must determine the:

     (a) Basic support obligation, without deviations; and

     (b) Maximum premium amount for both parents under chapter 26.19 RCW.

     (12) A hearing on a ((NFMR)) medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR is for the limited purpose of resolving the ((NCP's)) parents' medical support responsibility. The ((NCP has)) parties each have the burden of proving defenses to their own liability.

     (13) If the CP later applies for full enforcement services or if a child covered by the order receives public assistance, DCS may add a monthly financial support obligation to an administrative child support order for medical support only. The procedure required to add the monthly financial support obligation depends on whether DCS serve a medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR to establish the administrative support order. See WAC 388-14A-3127.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 34.05.310 (4)(d), 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056. 03-20-072, § 388-14A-3125, filed 9/29/03, effective 10/30/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056. 00-15-016 and 00-20-022, § 388-14A-3125, filed 7/10/00 and 9/25/00, effective 11/6/00. Formerly WAC 388-11-215 and 388-11-295.]

     (a) The custodial parent who previously requested medical support only services, files an application for full support enforcement services; or

     (b) A child covered by the order receives public assistance.

     (2) The procedure required to add the monthly financial support obligation depends on whether DCS served a NFMR, medical support only NFFR or medical support only NFPR to establish the administrative support order:

     (a) If the medical support obligation was established through service of a NFMR, DCS serves a NFFR under WAC 388-14A-3115 or a NFPR under WAC 388-14A-3120 which requests a monthly financial obligation.

     (b) If the medical support obligation was established through service of a NFFR or a NFPR, DCS files a petition to modify the previous administrative order under WAC 388-14A-3925.

[]

     (a) Resolving the ((NCP's)) current and future support obligation and the accrued support debt of the noncustodial parent (NCP); and

     (b) Establishing the medical support obligations of both the NCP and the custodial parent (CP), if the CP is the legal or biological parent of the child(ren).

     (2) The hearing is not for the purpose of setting a payment schedule on the support debt.

     (((2))) (3) The ((noncustodial parent (NCP) has)) NCP and the CP each have the burden of proving any defenses to their own liability. See WAC 388-14A-3370.

     (((3))) (4) ((Both)) The NCP and/or the ((custodial parent ())CP(())) must show cause why the terms in the NFFR, NFPR, or NFMR are incorrect.

     (((4))) (5) The administrative law judge (ALJ) has authority to enter a support obligation that may be higher or lower than the amounts set forth in the NFFR, NFPR, or NFMR, including the support debt, current support, and the future support obligation.

     (a) The ALJ may enter an order that differs from the terms stated in the notice, including different debt periods, if the obligation is supported by credible evidence presented by any party at the hearing, without further notice to any nonappearing party, if the ALJ finds that due process requirements have been met.

     (b) Any support order entered by the ALJ must comply with the requirements of WAC 388-14A-6300.

     (((5))) (6) The ALJ has no authority to determine custody or visitation issues, or to set a payment schedule for the arrears debt.

     (((6))) (7) When a party has advised the ALJ that they will participate by telephone, the ALJ attempts to contact that party on the record before beginning the proceeding or rules on a motion. The ALJ may not disclose to the other parties the telephone number of the location of the party appearing by phone.

     (((7))) (8) In support establishment hearings, both the NCP and CP may participate in the hearing. However, in certain cases, there is no "custodial parent" because the child or children are in foster care.

     (a) If the NCP ((fails)) and CP both fail to appear for hearing, see WAC 388-14A-3131.

     (b) If only one of the parties appears for the hearing, see WAC 388-14A-3132.

     (c) If the NCP ((appears)) and CP both appear for hearing, see WAC 388-14A-3133.

     (((8))) (9) In ((certain)) some cases, there can be two NCPs, called "joint NCPs." This happens when DCS serves a joint support establishment notice on the marital community made up of a husband and wife ((are jointly served a support establishment notice)) who reside together, or on the domestic partnership community made up of two registered domestic partners who reside together, seeking to establish a support obligation for a ((common)) child in common who is not residing in their home.

     (a) If both of the joint NCPs fail to appear for hearing, see WAC 388-14A-3131;

     (b) If both of the joint NCPs appear for hearing, see WAC 388-14A-3133; or

     (c) One joint NCP may appear and represent the other joint NCP.

     (((9))) (10) When ((the)) a CP ((asserts)) is granted good cause level B (see WAC 388-422-0020), DCS notifies the CP that ((they)) the CP will ((continue to)) receive documents, notices and orders. The CP may choose to participate at any time. Failure to appear at hearing results in a default order but does not result in a sanction for noncooperation under WAC 388-14A-2041.

     (((10))) (11) If any party appears for the hearing and elects to proceed, ((absent the granting of a continuance)) the ALJ hears the matter and enters ((an initial decision and)) a final order based on the evidence presented, unless the ALJ grants a continuance. The ALJ includes a party's failure to appear in the initial decision and order as an order of default against that party. The direct appeal rights of the party who failed to appear ((shall be)) are limited to an appeal on the record made at the hearing.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.160. 06-09-015, § 388-14A-3140, filed 4/10/06, effective 5/11/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 34.05.310 (4)(d), 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056. 03-20-072, § 388-14A-3140, filed 9/29/03, effective 10/30/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056. 00-15-016 and 00-20-022, § 388-14A-3140, filed 7/10/00 and 9/25/00, effective 11/6/00. Formerly WAC 388-11-400 and 388-11-425.]

     (2) When calculating child support obligations, DCS must use the WSCSS worksheets developed by the administrative office of the courts (AOC).

     (3) RCW 26.23.050 provides that every child support order must state the monthly child support obligation as a sum certain amount, but does not require that the support obligation be stated in a "per month per child" amount when more than one child is covered by the order. DCS sets support obligations in a per month per child amount whenever possible.

     (4) When DCS is calculating a support obligation for more than one child in an administrative support establishment notice, DCS may set the monthly support obligation as an undifferentiated amount, as defined in WAC 388-14A-4800. DCS may do this if one or more of the following are true:

     (a) The calculation involves a deviation from the standard calculation based on the existence of children from other relationships;

     (b) The support obligation is subject to the "forty-five percent limitation" provided in RCW 26.19.065(1) and described in WAC 388-14A-3400 (1)(a);

     (c) The support obligation is subject to the self-support reserve limitation, and the monthly support obligation is greater than the presumptive minimum obligation of fifty dollars per month per child; or

     (d) Part III of the worksheets includes health care or day care expenses.

     (5) See WAC 388-14A-8100 for rules on completing the worksheets under the WSCSS for cases where DCS is determining support for a child in foster care.

     (((3))) (6) DCS does not have statutory authority to set the child support obligations of both the noncustodial parent (NCP) and custodial parent (CP) in the same administrative proceeding, except that RCW 26.09.105, 26.18.170 and 26.23.050 provide that an administrative order that sets the NCP's child support obligation can also determine the CP's medical support obligation.

     (a) DCS orders can not set off the support obligation of one parent against the other.

     (b) Therefore, the method set forth in Marriage of Arvey, 77 Wn. App 817, 894 P.2d 1346 (1995), must not be applied when DCS determines a support obligation.

     (((4))) (7) The limitations in this section apply to DCS staff and to administrative law judges (ALJs) who are setting child support obligations.

     (8) See WAC 388-14A-4800 through 388-14A-4830 for more information on differentiated and undifferentiated support amounts.

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-3200, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 34.05.220 (1)(a), 74.20A.055. 07-06-053, § 388-14A-3200, filed 3/2/07, effective 4/2/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056. 06-16-073, § 388-14A-3200, filed 7/28/06, effective 8/28/06; 00-15-016 and 00-20-022, § 388-14A-3200, filed 7/10/00 and 9/25/00, effective 11/6/00. Formerly WAC 388-11-205.]

     (a) ((Actual income)) Full-time earnings at the current rate of pay;

     (b) ((Estimated income, if DCS has:

     (i) Incomplete information;

     (ii) Information based on the prevailing wage in the parent's trade or profession; or

     (iii) Information that is not current.

     (c) Imputed income under RCW 26.19.071(6))) Full-time earnings at the historical rate of pay based on reliable information, such as employment security department data;

     (c) Full-time earnings at a past rate of pay where information is incomplete or sporadic;

     (d) Full-time earnings at minimum wage in the jurisdiction where the parent resides if the parent has a recent history of minimum wage earnings, is recently coming off public assistance, disability lifeline benefits, supplemental security income, or disability, has recently been released from incarceration, or is a high school student or recent high school graduate; or

     (e) Median net monthly income of year-round full-time workers as derived from the United States bureau of census, current population reports.

     (2) DCS and the ALJ impute full time earnings at the minimum wage to a TANF recipient in the absence of actual income information((, DCS imputes full time earnings at the minimum wage to a TANF recipient)). You may rebut the imputation of income if you are excused from being required to work while receiving TANF, because:

     (a) You are either engaged in other qualifying WorkFirst activities which do not generate income, such as job search; or

     (b) You are excused or exempt from being required to work in order to receive TANF, because of other barriers such as family violence or mental health issues.

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-3205, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 34.05.310 (4)(d), 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056. 03-20-072, § 388-14A-3205, filed 9/29/03, effective 10/30/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056. 00-15-016 and 00-20-022, § 388-14A-3205, filed 7/10/00 and 9/25/00, effective 11/6/00. Formerly WAC 388-11-205.]

     (2) ((DCS may serve a notice of support debt on a noncustodial parent (NCP) as provided in RCW 74.20A.040. See WAC 388-14A-3304.

     (3) DCS may serve a notice of support owed on an NCP as provided in RCW 26.23.110. See WAC 388-14A-3310.

     (4) When DCS serves a notice of support debt or a notice of support owed, DCS sends a notice to the payee under the order. See WAC 388-14A-3315)) DCS determines which notice to serve on the NCP as provided in WAC 388-14A-3302 and elsewhere in this chapter.

     (3) When DCS serves a notice of support debt or a notice of support owed under RCW 26.23.110, DCS notifies the other party to the order. See WAC 388-14A-3315.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 34.05.310 (4)(d). 03-20-072, § 388-14A-3300, filed 9/29/03, effective 10/30/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-3300, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01.]

     (2) If the support order sets the amount of the support obligation in a sum certain amount, DCS may serve a notice of support debt on the NCP as provided in RCW 74.20A.040 and WAC 388-14A-3304.

     (3) If DCS is registering a support order or income-withholding order issued in another state, DCS may serve a notice of support debt and registration on the NCP, as provided in RCW 26.21A.500, RCW 26.21A.540 and WAC 388-14A-7100.

     (4) Under RCW 26.23.110, DCS may serve a notice of support owed on an NCP or a custodial parent (CP), as appropriate, if the underlying support order:

     (a) Does not state the monthly support obligation as a fixed dollar amount;

     (b) Contains an escalation clause or adjustment provision for which additional information not contained in the support order is needed to determine the fixed dollar amount of the support debt or the fixed dollar amount of the current and future support obligation, or both;

     (c) Provides that the NCP is responsible for a portion of nonmedical expenses incurred on behalf of the child, but does not reduce the amount owed to a fixed dollar amount; or

     (d) Provides that either the NCP or the custodial parent (CP) must provide medical support as provided under either RCW 26.19.105 or 74.20A.300, but does not reduce the medical support obligation to a fixed dollar amount.

     (5) As of the effective date of this section, DCS does not serve a notice of support owed under RCW 26.23.110 to determine the NCP's proportionate share of any nonmedical expenses other than daycare or child care expenses incurred on behalf of the child(ren) covered by the order.

     (6) The fact that an NCP or CP's request that DCS act on his or her claim for unreimbursed nonmedical expenses is rejected by DCS does not mean that the NCP or CP cannot pursue reimbursement of those expenses by proceeding in court.

     (a) If a CP obtains a judgment for unreimbursed nonmedical expenses, DCS may enforce the judgment if the CP qualifies for services under WAC 388-14A-2000.

     (b) If DCS served a notice of support owed to determine the NCP's proportionate share of nonmedical expenses at some time before the effective date of this section and either NCP or CP requests an annual review under RCW 26.23.110, DCS may continue to provide annual reviews for the support order which was the subject of the prior notice of support owed.

     (7) See WAC 388-14A-3310 for the general rules for a notice of support owed.

     (a) WAC 388-14A-3311 describes the procedures for service of a notice of support owed to:

     (i) Determine the fixed dollar amount of the support debt or the fixed dollar amount of the current and future support obligation;

     (ii) Implement an escalation clause or adjustment provision;

     (iii) Convert a support order set in foreign currency using the current rate of exchange to fix the amount of support in U.S. dollars; or

     (iv) Determine as a sum certain the NCP's proportionate share of daycare or child care expenses paid by the NCP.

     (b) WAC 388-14A-3312 describes the procedures for service of a notice of support owed to establish a parent's share of medical expenses and/or medical support owed for the child or children covered by a support order.

     (8) WAC 388-14A-3307 discusses how DCS proceeds when DCS decides that a determination of controlling order under chapter 26.21A RCW is required. Under that section, DCS may serve a notice of support debt and registration as provided in WAC 388-14A-7100.

     (9) WAC 388-14A-3315 provides that:

     (a) When DCS serves a notice of support debt or a notice of support owed on the NCP, DCS notifies the CP and the payee under the order, if the CP is not the payee under the order; and

     (b) When DCS serves a notice of support owed under WAC 388-14A-3312 on the CP, DCS notifies the NCP.

[]

     (13) For the purposes of this section, WAC 388-14A-3312, 388-14A-3315 and 388-14A-3320, the term "payee" includes "physical custodian," "custodial parent," or "party seeking reimbursement.")) owed under a child support order that was entered in Washington or by any other tribunal. This section provides general information regarding the notice of support owed.

     (a) WAC 388-14A-3311 describes the procedures for service of a notice of support owed on the NCP to determine the fixed dollar amount of the support debt or the fixed dollar amount of the current and future support obligation, including the NCP's proportionate share of daycare or child care expenses incurred on behalf of the child(ren); and

     (b) WAC 388-14A-3312 describes the procedures for service of a notice of support owed on either parent to establish that parent's share of medical expenses and/or medical support owed for the child or children covered by a support order.

     (2) The notice of support owed contains an initial finding, showing DCS' calculation of the fixed dollar amount of:

     (a) The current and future support obligation;

     (b) Any support debt owed; or

     (c) Both amounts.

     (3) The notice of support owed facilitates enforcement of the underlying support order by implementing the terms of the order, but it cannot modify the terms of the order.

     (4) The reasons that DCS may serve a notice of support owed include, but are not limited to:

     (a) The support order sets a support obligation but does not state the monthly support obligation as a fixed dollar amount;

     (b) DCS is implementing the adjustment or escalation provision of a court order;

     (c) The support order provides that the NCP is responsible for paying for a portion of daycare or child care expenses incurred on behalf of the child(ren), but does not reduce the amount owed to a fixed dollar amount. DCS serves the notice of support owed to determine the NCP's proportionate share of those expenses; or

     (d) The support order provides that either the NCP or the CP must provide medical support as required under either RCW 26.19.105 or 74.20A.300, but does not reduce the medical support obligation to a fixed dollar amount.

     (5) Because of the different purposes for which DCS may serve a notice of support owed under RCW 26.23.110, DCS has developed two separate forms to use for the notice of support owed:

     (a) The basic form used by DCS to establish a fixed dollar amount owed by an NCP under an existing child support order is called the notice of support owed.

     (b) DCS developed a special form called the "notice of support owed - medical support" which is used only for the following purposes:

     (i) To notify an obligated parent of the obligation to pay a portion of the premium for health insurance provided by the other parent or state of Washington;

     (ii) To determine a fixed dollar amount for uninsured medical expenses incurred on behalf of the children and to demand payment of the obligated parent's proportionate share; or

     (iii) When a support order requires the obligated parent to pay a specific percentage of uninsured medical expenses.

     (6) For the purposes of this chapter, the term "notice of support owed" includes "notice of support owed" and "notice of support owed - medical support."

     (7) DCS serves a notice of support owed on the NCP or the CP, as appropriate, like a summons in a civil action or by certified mail, return receipt requested.

     (8) WAC 388-14A-3315 provides that, when DCS serves a notice of support owed on one party, DCS notifies the other party to the support order by sending a form called the notice to payee, and encloses a copy of the notice that was served.

     (a) After service on the NCP, DCS mails a notice to payee to the CP and to the payee under the order, if the CP is not the payee under the order.

     (b) After service on the CP, DCS mails a notice to payee to the NCP.

     (9) In a notice of support owed, DCS includes:

     (a) The information required by RCW 26.23.110;

     (b) Any provision or factors contained in the underlying order regarding how to calculate the monthly support or the amounts claimed for medical support;

     (c) Any other information not contained in the order that DCS used to calculate the amounts in the notice; and

     (d) Notice of the right to request an annual review of the order or a review on the date given in the order for an annual review, if any. WAC 388-14A-3330 describes the procedures for the annual review of a notice of support owed.

     (10) A notice of support owed fully and fairly informs the parties of the rights and responsibilities in this section.

     (11) After service of a notice of support owed, the recipient of the notice (which could be either the CP or the NCP, as appropriate,) must make all support payments required by the notice to the Washington state support registry (WSSR). DCS does not credit payments made to any other party after service of a notice of support owed except as provided in WAC 388-14A-3375.

     (12) The need to serve a notice of support owed does not require DCS to cease all enforcement actions on a case. At any time, DCS may enforce:

     (a) A fixed or minimum dollar amount for monthly support stated in the court order or a prior administrative order entered under this section;

     (b) Any part of a support debt that has been reduced to a fixed dollar amount by a court or administrative order; and

     (c) Any part of a support debt that neither party claims is incorrect.

     (13) A notice of support owed becomes final and subject to immediate income withholding and enforcement as provided in WAC 388-14A-3316.

     (14) An objection or request for hearing on a notice of support owed may be timely or untimely:

     (a) WAC 388-14A-3317 discusses what happens if a parent makes a timely request for hearing; and

     (b) WAC 388-14A-3318 discusses what happens if a parent makes an untimely request for hearing.

     (15) WAC 388-14A-3320 provides general information regarding an administrative hearing on a notice of support owed.

     (16) WAC 388-14A-3330 provides information regarding the annual review of a notice of support owed.

     (17) For the purposes of this section and WAC 388-14A-3311 through 388-14A-3330, the term "payee" includes "physical custodian," "custodial parent," or "party seeking reimbursement."

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-3310, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.310 and 26.23.110, and 74.20A.040. 05-07-059, § 388-14A-3310, filed 3/11/05, effective 4/11/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.310. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-3310, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-14-415.]

     (2) DCS may serve a notice of support owed on the NCP to determine the fixed dollar amount of the current and future support obligation when a support order provides that the NCP's support obligation is:

     (a) A certain percentage of the NCP's gross or net earnings;

     (b) Set as a sum-certain amount, but the amount is to be paid other than monthly; or

     (c) To be determined by some other formula or method requiring the use of information that is not contained in the order, including currency conversion when DCS is enforcing a support order which sets the support amount in a foreign currency.

     (3) DCS may serve a notice of support owed on the NCP to determine the amount of the NCP's share of daycare or child care expenses for the children when the support order sets the NCP's obligation as a percentage or proportion of those expenses. A custodial parent (CP) seeking reimbursement for daycare or childcare expenses for the child(ren) must:

     (a) Apply for full collection services at the time of the request, unless the CP already has an open full collection case with DCS;

     (b) Have paid the daycare or child care expenses before seeking reimbursement through DCS;

     (c) Provide proof of payment of those expenses;

     (d) Complete the forms provided by DCS for the claim, or at a minimum present the required information and documentation in a format similar to that in the DCS forms; and

     (e) Declare under penalty of perjury that he or she has asked the NCP to pay his or her share of the daycare or child care expenses or provide good cause for not asking the NCP for payment.

     (4) DCS' denial of a request from either the CP or the NCP to serve a notice of support owed under this section does not affect either party's ability to bring an action in another tribunal to enforce a claim for the other party's proportionate share of expenses paid for the children. Either party may file an action in court to:

     (a) Make a claim for reimbursement of daycare or childcare expenses;

     (b) Make a claim for reimbursement of any other child rearing expenses; or

     (c) See any other kind of relief against the other party.

     (5) DCS may serve a notice of support owed under this section on the NCP to implement an escalation clause or adjustment provision for which additional information not contained in the support order is needed to determine the fixed dollar amount of the support debt or the fixed dollar amount of the current and future support obligation.

     (6) Whenever DCS serves a notice of support owed on the NCP under subsections (2), (3) or (5) above, that notice may also include a determination of the fixed dollar amount of:

     (a) Any support debt owing;

     (b) Any amount paid by the NCP that exceeds his or her actual current and future support obligation; and

     (c) Any amount paid by the NCP that exceeds his or her actual share of day care or child care expenses.

     (7) If DCS is preparing a notice of support owed as part of an annual review, the notice may also include a determination of the fixed dollar amount of:

     (a) Any support debt owed by the NCP; and

     (b) Any amounts calculated under an order resulting from a previous notice of support owed that exceed the NCP's actual obligation after actual income or expenses are considered.

     (8) If the notice of support owed contains a determination that the owed by the NCP under the previous notice of support owed (if any) is more than his or her actual current and future support obligation or his or her actual share of expenses, the notice addresses how the difference may be credited or repaid, in the absence of an agreement between the parties.

     (a) Any overpayment may be applied an as offset to nonassistance child support arrears owed by the NCP on that case only.

     (b) If there is no nonassistance debt owed on the case, the reimbursement must be in the form of a credit against the NCP's future child support obligation:

     (i) Spread equally over a twelve-month period starting the month after the administrative order becomes final; or

     (ii) In a case where the underlying order provides that the NCP's support obligation will end in less than twelve months, spread equally over the remaining life of the order.

     (9) In a notice of support owed under this section, DCS includes:

     (a) The information required by RCW 26.23.110 and WAC 388-14A-3110;

     (b) A description of any provisions or factors contained in the underlying order regarding how to calculate the monthly support obligation or the amounts claimed for non-medical expenses; and

     (c) Any other information not contained in the order that DCS used to calculate the amounts in the notice.

[]

     (14))) Depending on the specific requirements of the child support order, and only if the case meets the criteria set out in WAC 388-14A-4111, the division of child support (DCS) may serve a notice of support owed under RCW 26.23.110, WAC 388-14A-3310 and this section:

     (a) On either the noncustodial parent (NCP) or the custodial parent (CP), as appropriate, in order to:

     (i) Establish as a sum certain and collect the obligated parent's proportionate share of uninsured medical expenses owed to the parent seeking reimbursement. This process is called reimbursement of uninsured medical expenses;

     (ii) Establish as a sum certain and collect the obligated parent's monthly payment toward the premium currently being paid by the other parent for insurance coverage for the child; or

     (iii) Establish and collect amounts owed under both subsections (a)(i) and (a)(ii) of this section.

     (b) On the NCP in order to establish as a sum certain and collect the NCP's monthly payment toward the premium paid by the state for managed care coverage for the child, if the child receives state-financed medical coverage through the department under chapter 74.09 RCW for which there is an assignment.

     (2) Unless otherwise specified in the order, each parent's proportionate share of uninsured medical expenses and medical insurance premiums is the same as the proportionate share of income shown on the Washington state child support schedule worksheet that was completed as part of the support order.

     (a) On occasion, a tribunal may specify that medical support obligations are to be shared between the parents at a different percentage than the one on the worksheet.

     (b) DCS follows the terms of the underlying order when serving a notice of support owed under this section.

     (3) WAC 388-14A-4111 and 388-14A-4112 set out some of the reasons why DCS may decline a party's request to enforce a medical support obligation.

     (4) Only a CP who is both a parent and a party to the support order may ask DCS to serve a notice of support owed on the NCP under subsection (1)(a) of this section. If the CP is not both a parent and a party to the support order, DCS' denial of the request does not affect the CP's ability to bring an action in another tribunal to enforce the CP's claim against the NCP for medical support. The CP may file an action in court to:

     (a) Make a claim for reimbursement of uninsured medical expenses;

     (b) Make a claim for a monthly contribution toward any insurance coverage provided by the CP; or

     (c) Seek both kinds of relief against the NCP.

     (5) DCS may serve a notice of support owed on the NCP under subsection (1)(b) of this section without regard to the CP's status as a parent or party to the order, if the child receives state financed medical coverage through the department under chapter 74.09 RCW for which there is an assignment.

     (6) Either the NCP or the CP may ask DCS to serve a notice of support owed on the other party to the support order in order to establish the obligated parent's proportionate share of uninsured medical expenses as a sum certain amount if the support order establishes such an obligation. The parent seeking reimbursement for uninsured medical expenses must:

     (a) Apply for full collection services at the time of the request, unless the parent already has an open full collection case with DCS;

     (b) Have paid the uninsured medical expenses before seeking reimbursement through DCS;

     (c) Provide proof of payment of at least five hundred dollars in uninsured medical expenses;

     (d) Complete the forms provided by DCS for the claim, or at a minimum present the required information and documentation in a format similar to that in the DCS forms; and

     (e) Declare under penalty of perjury that he or she has asked the obligated parent to pay his or her share of the uninsured medical expenses or provide good cause for not asking the obligated parent.

     (i) If the uninsured medical expenses have been incurred within the last twelve months, this requirement is waived; and

     (ii) If the obligated party denies having received notice that the other party was seeking reimbursement for uninsured medical expenses or support, the service of the notice of support owed constitutes the required notice.

     (7) A party's request that DCS serve a notice of support owed to establish the other parent's obligation for medical support, including reimbursement for uninsured medical expenses:

     (a) May be for a period of up to twenty-four consecutive months;

     (b) May include only medical services provided after July 21, 2007;

     (c) May not include months which were included in a prior notice of support owed for medical support or a prior judgment;

     (d) Need not be for the twenty-four month period immediately following the period included in the prior notice of support owed for medical support;

     (e) May include a claim for the obligated parent's proportionate share of any health insurance premiums paid by the requesting parent after July 21, 2007, but this type of claim is limited as provided in subsections (11) and (12) of this section; and

     (f) May include a request that DCS establish a monthly payment toward the premium representing the obligated parent's proportionate share of the premium paid by the requesting parent only for premiums paid for health insurance coverage provided after September 30, 2009.

     (8) The party seeking reimbursement must ask DCS to serve a notice of support owed for medical support within two years of the date that the uninsured medical expense or premium was incurred.

     (a) The fact that a request that DCS serve a notice of support owed for medical support is denied, either in whole or in part, does not mean that the party cannot pursue reimbursement of those uninsured medical expenses by proceeding in court.

     (b) If a party obtains a judgment for reimbursement of uninsured medical expenses or other type of medical support, DCS enforces the judgment.

     (9) When either party asks DCS to serve a notice of support owed under this section to establish the other party's proportionate share of uninsured medical expenses as a sum certain amount and the medical expenses include premiums for health insurance for the child(ren) covered by the order, DCS reviews the order to determine whether it provides for a monthly payment toward the premium when the obligated parent does not have insurance available through his or her employer or union.

     (a) If the order does not have such a requirement, DCS includes the health insurance premiums in the claim for reimbursement of uninsured medical expenses, but limits the obligated parent's obligation as provided in subsections (11) and (12) of this section.

     (b) If the order does have such a requirement, DCS serves a notice of support owed which:

     (i) Includes the health insurance premiums in the claim for reimbursement of uninsured medical expenses; and

     (ii) If appropriate, includes the provisions necessary to establish a monthly contribution which represents the obligated parent's proportionate share of the premium paid by the other parent (not to exceed twenty-five percent of the obligated parent's basic support obligation), if the obligated parent is not already providing health insurance coverage for the child(ren).

     (10) There are two circumstances under which DCS may serve a notice of support owed to establish the amount owed by an obligated parent as a monthly payment toward the premium paid for coverage by the other parent or the state. DCS may serve the notice of support owed when the support order:

     (a) Specifically provides that the obligated parent's medical support obligation under RCW 26.09.105 (1)(c) is to pay a monthly payment toward the premium instead of providing health insurance coverage, but does not set that obligation as a sum certain; or

     (b) Provides that, if health insurance is not available through the obligated parent's employer or union at a cost not to exceed twenty-five percent of the obligated parent's basic support obligation, the obligated parent must pay a monthly payment toward the premium but does not set that obligation as a sum certain. In this situation, DCS serves the notice of support owed to establish a monthly payment toward the premium paid only if the obligated parent is not already providing coverage for the children.

     (11) DCS may collect a maximum of twenty-five percent of the obligated parent's basic support obligation for medical premium costs claimed by the requesting party.

     (12) DCS may not collect for medical premium costs claimed by the requesting party through either the monthly payment toward the premium or the reimbursement of uninsured medical expenses if the obligated parent is providing accessible health insurance coverage for the child.

     (13) Once DCS serves a notice of support owed under this section that establishes a medical support obligation representing the obligated parent's proportionate share of the premium paid by the other parent, the obligated parent is not required to reimburse the other parent for any amounts of that proportionate share of the premium which are not paid because those amounts exceed twenty-five percent of the obligated parent's basic support obligation.

     (a) That portion of the obligated parent's proportionate share of the premium for a month that is not included in the obligated parent's monthly payment toward the premium may not be recovered by a later claim for unreimbursed medical expenses; and

     (b) The obligation to contribute a proportionate share of other uninsured medical expenses is not affected by the establishment of a medical support obligation for medical premiums paid by the requesting parent under this section.

     (14) Once DCS serves a notice of support owed under this section that establishes a monthly payment toward the premium which represents the NCP's proportionate share of the premium paid by the state, the NCP is not required to reimburse the state for any amounts of that proportionate share of the premium which are not paid because those amounts exceed twenty-five percent of the NCP's basic support obligation.

     (15) An NCP who wants DCS to enforce the CP's medical support obligation must first apply for full child support enforcement services.

     (a) DCS enforces a CP's medical support obligation only as provided under WAC 388-14A-4112.

     (b) If the parties already have an open full enforcement case with DCS, DCS opens up a new case which is called the medical support case, and the previously-existing case is called the main case.

     (c) If the parties do not already have an open full enforcement case with DCS, DCS opens two cases:

     (i) The case where DCS is acting on NCP's request to enforce CP's medical support obligation is called the medical support case; and

     (ii) The case where DCS is enforcing the underlying support order and collecting from the NCP is called the main case.

     (16) In a notice of support owed under this section, DCS includes the information required by RCW 26.23.110, and:

     (a) The factors stated in the order regarding medical support;

     (b) A statement of uninsured medical expenses and a declaration by the parent seeking reimbursement; and

     (c) Any other information not contained in the order that DCS used to calculate the amounts in the notice.

     (17) Whenever DCS serves a notice of support owed under this section, that notice may also include a determination of the fixed dollar amount of:

     (a) Any medical support debt owed by the obligated parent;

     (b) Any amounts owed by the obligated parent under a previous notice of support owed that exceed the obligated parent's actual monthly obligation to pay a proportionate share of the premium after actual expenses or updated proportionate shares owed are considered, but not to exceed twenty-five percent of the obligated parent's basic support obligation; and

     (c) Any amounts owed by the obligated parent under a previous notice of support owed that are less than the obligated parent's actual monthly obligation to pay a proportionate share of the premium after actual expenses or updated proportionate shares owed are considered, but not to exceed twenty-five percent of the obligated parent's basic support obligation.

     (18) If the notice of support owed contains a determination that the order resulting from a previous notice of support owed calculated a medical support obligation that differed from the obligated parent's actual obligation after actual expenses or updated proportionate shares owed are considered, the notice may address how any difference may be credited or repaid in the absence of any agreement between the parties.

     (19) If the obligated parent is the NCP, any amounts ((owing determined by)) owed under a previous notice of support owed exceeding the actual obligation after actual expenses or updated proportionate shares owed are considered in the final administrative order are added to the NCP's support debt ((on the main case)).

     (((15))) (a) Amounts owed to the CP are added to the unassigned arrears on the case.

     (b) Amounts owed to reimburse the state for medicaid or other state-financed medical coverage through the department under chapter 74.09 RCW for which there is an assignment are added to the main case as permanently assigned arrears.

     (20) If the obligated parent is the CP, any amounts ((owing determined by)) owed under a previous notice of support owed exceeding the actual obligation after actual expenses are considered in the final administrative order are paid in the following order:

     (a) Any amount owed by the CP to the NCP is applied as an offset to any nonassistance child support arrears owed by the NCP on the main case only; or

     (b) If there is no debt owed to the CP on the main case, payment of the amount owed by the CP is in the form of a credit against the NCP's future child support obligation:

     (i) Spread equally over a twelve-month period starting the month after the administrative order becomes final((, but not to exceed ten percent of the current support amount)); or

     (ii) When the future support obligation will end under the terms of the order in less than twelve months, spread equally over the life of the order((, but not to exceed ten percent of the current support amount)).

     (c) If the amount owed by the CP exceeds the amount that can be paid off using the methods specified in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, DCS uses the medical support case to collect the remaining amounts owed using the remedies available to DCS for collecting child support debts.

     (((16) If either the obligated parent or the parent seeking reimbursement requests a late hearing, that party must show good cause for filing the late hearing request if it is filed more than one year after service of the notice of support owed for unreimbursed medical expenses.

     (17) A notice of support owed for unreimbursed medical expenses fully and fairly informs the obligated parent of the rights and responsibilities in this section.

     (18) A notice of support owed for unreimbursed medical expenses under this section is subject to annual review as provided in WAC 388-14A-3318.))

     (((19))) (21) If both the CP and the NCP request that DCS serve a notice of support owed ((for unreimbursed medical expenses)) under this section on the other party, those notices remain separate and may not be combined.

     (a) The office of administrative hearings (OAH) may schedule consecutive hearings but may not combine the matters under the same docket number.

     (b) The administrative law judge (ALJ) must issue two separate administrative orders, one for each obligated parent.

     (((20))) (22) DCS does not serve a second or subsequent notice of support owed ((for unreimbursed medical expenses)) under this section on an obligated parent until the party seeking reimbursement once again meets the conditions set forth in WAC ((388-14A-3318)) 388-14A-3330.

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-3312, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08.]

     (c) A notice of support debt under WAC 388-14A-3304)) When the division of child support (DCS) needs to notify the parties that DCS is enforcing a previously-entered support order, DCS serves the appropriate notice under WAC 388-14A-3302. DCS may serve a notice of support owed on either the noncustodial parent (NCP) or the custodial parent (CP), as provided in WAC 388-14A-3310.

     (2) After DCS serves a notice of support debt or a notice of support owed, DCS notifies the other party to the order by sending a form called the notice to payee, with a copy of the notice that was served, when DCS receives proof of service.

     (3) DCS serves a notice of support debt or a notice of support owed on the NCP when DCS is enforcing an order that sets the NCP's support obligation. After service of the notice on the NCP:

     (a) DCS sends the notice to payee to the CP, if the CP is the payee under the order; and

     (b) DCS sends the notice to payee to the CP and to the payee under the order, if the CP is not also the payee under the order.

     (4) DCS serves a notice of support owed on the CP when DCS is enforcing an order that sets the CP's medical support obligation. After service of the notice on the CP, DCS sends the notice to payee to the NCP.

     (5) DCS sends the notice to payee by first class mail to the last known address ((of the payee)) DCS has on file, and encloses a copy of the notice that was served ((on the NCP)).

     (((3))) (a) In a notice to payee, DCS informs the payee of the right to file a request with DCS for a hearing on ((a)) the notice of support owed ((under WAC 388-14A-3310, a notice of support owed for unreimbursed medical expenses under WAC 388-14A-3312,)) or ((a)) the notice of support debt ((under WAC 388-14A-3304)) within twenty days of the date of a notice to payee that was mailed to a Washington address.

     (((4))) (b) If the notice to payee was mailed to an out-of-state address, the payee may request a hearing within sixty days of the date of the notice to payee.

     (((5))) (6) The effective date of a hearing request is the date DCS receives the request.

     (((6) When DCS serves a notice of support owed for unreimbursed medical expenses under WAC 388-14A-3312, DCS mails the notice to payee to the parent seeking reimbursement.))

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-3315, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 34.05.310 (4)(d), 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.310. 03-20-072, § 388-14A-3315, filed 9/29/03, effective 10/30/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.310. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-3315, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-14-440.]

     (2) The notice of support owed becomes a final administrative order subject to immediate income withholding and enforcement without further notice under chapters 26.18, 26.23, 74.20, and 74.20A RCW unless one of the parties, no matter which one was served with the notice, contacts DCS within the time limits provided in this section and:

     (a) Objects to the notice;

     (b) Requests a hearing;

     (c) Negotiates and signs an agreed settlement as provided in WAC 388-14A-3600; or

     (d) Obtains a stay from the superior court.

     (3) DCS treats any objection to the notice of support owed as a request for hearing on the notice.

     (4) If a timely objection is filed, DCS cannot enforce the contested amounts claimed in the notice of support owed until a final order as defined in this section is entered.

     (a) WAC 388-14A-3317 discusses what happens if a party makes a timely objection or request for hearing on a notice of support owed.

     (b) Even after a timely objection, DCS may still enforce those parts of the support obligation listed in WAC 388-14A-3310(10).

     (5) To be timely, the party must object within the following time limits:

     (a) Within twenty days of service, if the notice was served in Washington state.

     (b) Within sixty days of service, if the notice was served outside of Washington state.

     (6) The effective date of an objection or hearing request is the date that DCS receives the objection or request for hearing.

     (7) After a timely request for hearing, the final order is one of the following, whichever occurs latest:

     (a) An agreed settlement or consent order under WAC 388-14A-3600; or

     (b) A final order as defined in WAC 388-14A-6105 and further described in WAC 388-14A-6115.

     (8) WAC 388-14A-3318 describes what happens when a party makes an untimely request for hearing on a notice of support owed.

     (9) RCW 26.23.110 provides that if a party who receives a notice of support owed does not initiate an action in superior court and serve notice on DCS and on the other party to the support order within twenty days after service of the notice, that party is considered to have made an election of remedies. This means that the party (either the CP or the NCP) must exhaust the administrative remedies under chapter 26.23 RCW before bringing a court action to challenge the notice.

[]

     (7) The twelve-month requirement for an annual review under this section runs separately from the twelve-month requirement for an annual review under WAC 388-14A-3318)) A party who has been served with a notice of support owed may make a timely or untimely objection to the notice.

     (a) A timely request for hearing on a notice of support owed is an objection made within the time limits of WAC 388-14A-3316.

     (b) WAC 388-14A-3318 describes what happens when the party files an untimely objection.

     (2) When the division of child support (DCS) serves a notice of support owed, DCS sends a notice to payee as provided in WAC 388-14A-3115. The party who receives the notice to payee has the right to object to the notice of support owed.

     (3) If either party makes a timely request for hearing, DCS submits the hearing request to the office of administrative hearings (OAH) for scheduling.

     (4) OAH sends a notice of hearing by first class mail to all parties at their addresses last known to DCS, notifying each party of the date, time and place of the hearing.

     (5) DCS, the noncustodial parent (NCP) and the custodial parent (CP) are all parties to a hearing on a notice of support owed.

     (6) A timely request for hearing stops the notice from becoming a final order, but DCS may still enforce those parts of the support obligation listed in WAC 388-14A-3310(10). In addition, any party may request that the administrative law judge (ALJ) enter a temporary support order under WAC 388-14A-3850.

     (7) See WAC 388-14A-3320 for general information regarding a hearing on a notice of support owed.

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-3317, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.310, 26.23.110, and 74.20A.040. 05-07-059, § 388-14A-3317, filed 3/11/05, effective 4/11/05.]

     (4) For purposes of this section, the twelve-month cycle for annual review runs separately for the NCP and for the CP, depending on which one is the party seeking reimbursement)) A party who has been served with a notice of support owed may make a timely or untimely objection to the notice.

     (a) WAC 388-14A-3117 describes what happens when the party files a timely objection.

     (b) An objection which is not made within the time limits of WAC 388-14A-3116 is an untimely objection.

     (2) The division of child support (DCS) continues to enforce the administrative order that resulted from the notice of support owed even if one of the parties files a late request for hearing.

     (3) If DCS receives the late hearing request within one year of the date of service of the notice, the party requesting the hearing is not required to show good cause to have a hearing on the merits of the notice.

     (4) If the party who has been served with a notice of support owed files an untimely request for hearing, he or she must show good cause for filing the late hearing request if the request is filed more than one year after service of the notice. See WAC 388-14A-3500 regarding good cause for filing a late request for hearing.

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-3318, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08.]

     (8))) This section provides general information regarding hearings on a notice of support owed.

     (2) Either the noncustodial parent (NCP) or the custodial parent (CP) may request a hearing on a notice of support owed.

     (3) The division of child support (DCS) serves two basic types of notice of support owed:

     (a) The initial notice of support owed served to establish a sum certain amount for a support obligation under an existing order, as described in WAC 388-14A-3310; and

     (b) A notice of support owed served as part of the annual review under RCW 26.23.110, as described in WAC 388-14A-3330.

     (4) WAC 388-14A-3310(5) describes the two different forms created by DCS which are used for different types of notice of support owed:

     (a) The specialized "notice of support owed - medical support" is used only for specific purposes related to the medical support obligations of either parent; and

     (b) The notice of support owed is served on the NCP for all other purposes under RCW 26.23.110 and WAC 388-14A-3311.

     (5) DCS and the parties may enter a consent order or agreed settlement instead of proceeding to hearing any time a parent has requested a hearing on a notice of support owed served by DCS. See WAC 388-14A-3600 for the rules regarding consent orders and agreed settlements.

     (6) A hearing on a notice of support owed is only for:

     (a) Interpreting the underlying order for support and any modifying orders;

     (b) Determining whether a condition precedent set in the underlying order was met;

     (c) Determining the amount of monthly support as a fixed dollar amount;

     (d) Determining the difference between the obligation calculated in the order resulting from the previous notice of support owed and the actual amount owed for the period covered by the previous notice of support owed; and

     (e) Determining the amount of accrued arrears or overpayment for daycare expenses or medical support through the last day of the month before the hearing, or of the month in which the hearing was held; this date is determined at the discretion of the administrative law judge (ALJ) if not agreed upon by the parties.

     (7) A hearing on an initial notice of support owed is not for:

     (a) Changing or deferring the support provisions of the underlying order; or

     (b) Setting a payment schedule on any support amount or support debt that was not covered by the notice which is the subject of the hearing.

     (8) A hearing on the annual review of a notice of support owed must comply with this section, but in addition must determine:

     (a) Whether there is a difference between the obligation calculated in the order resulting from the previous notice of support owed and the actual obligation for that period after actual expenses or income are considered; and

     (b) How that difference should be resolved.

     (9) The party who requested the hearing has the burden of proving any defenses to liability that apply under WAC 388-14A-3370 or that the amounts stated in the notice of support owed are incorrect.

     (((9))) (10) The office of administrative hearings (OAH) sends a notice of hearing to DCS, the NCP ((, to the division of child support (DCS),)) and ((to)) the ((custodial parent ())CP(())). The NCP and the CP each may participate in the hearing as an independent party.

     (((10))) (11) If only one party appears ((and wishes to proceed with)) for the hearing, the ((administrative law judge (ALJ))) ALJ may entertain requests for a continuance, and if there is no continuance granted, the ALJ holds a hearing and issues an order based on the evidence presented ((or continues the hearing)). ((See)) The provisions of WAC 388-14A-6110 and 388-14A-6115 ((to)) determine if the ALJ enters an initial order or a final order.

     (((a))) An order issued under this subsection includes an order of default against the nonappearing party and limits the appeal rights of the nonappearing party to the record made at the hearing.

     (((b))) (12) If neither the NCP nor the CP appears or wishes to proceed with the hearing, the ALJ issues an order of default against both parties.

     (((11))) (13) If either party requests a late hearing on a notice of support owed, that party must show good cause for filing the late hearing request, as provided in WAC 388-14A-3500.

     (((12))) (14) For purposes of this section, the terms "payee" and "CP" are used interchangeably and can mean either the CP, the payee under the order or both, except that a CP who is not also the payee under the support order may not ask DCS to serve a notice of support owed for unreimbursed medical expenses under WAC 388-14A-3312.

     (15) This section, WAC 388-14A-3323, 388-14A-3324, 388-14A-3325 and 388-14A-6300 describe the duties of the ALJ in a hearing on a notice of support owed.

     (16) Additional information regarding hearings on the notice of support owed can be found in the following sections:

     (a) WAC 388-14A-3323 describes a hearing on a notice of support owed served under WAC 388-14A-3311; and

     (b) WAC 388-14A-3324 describes a hearing on a notice of support owed served under WAC 388-14A-3312.

     (17) WAC 388-14A-3330 describes the annual review of a notice of support owed.

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-3320, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.160. 06-09-015, § 388-14A-3320, filed 4/10/06, effective 5/11/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 34.05.220(1), 74.20A.310, 26.23.110, and 74.20A.040. 05-07-059, § 388-14A-3320, filed 3/11/05, effective 4/11/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-3320, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01.]

     (2) A hearing on a notice of support owed served under WAC 388-14A-3311 is only for the purpose of determining the amounts owed by the noncustodial parent (NCP) that are not stated as a fixed dollar amount in the underlying support order, either as part of the monthly support obligation or for nonmedical expenses of the children. See WAC 388-14A-3324 for the rules concerning a hearing on a notice of support owed for medical support.

     (3) The administrative law judge (ALJ) must determine some or all of the following, depending on what was requested in the notice of support owed:

     (a) The amount of monthly support as a fixed dollar amount;

     (b) Any accrued arrears;

     (c) Any difference between the NCP's obligation under a previous notice of support owed and his or her actual obligation after actual income or expenses are considered; and

     (d) The amount of the NCP's share of nonmedical expenses for the children, including:

     (i) The amount that the NCP must pay each month as his or her ongoing share of daycare and child care expenses for the children; and

     (ii) Whether the custodial parent (CP) has provided sufficient proof of payment of daycare and child care expenses for the children; and

     (iii) The amount of NCP's accrued debt for daycare and child care expenses.

     (4) If the ALJ determines that the NCP's obligation under a previous notice of support owed is more than his or her actual obligation under the order after actual expenses or income are considered, the ALJ may not set a payment schedule on the support debt.

     (5) If the ALJ determines that the NCP's obligation under a previous notice of support owed is less than his or her actual obligation under the order after actual expenses or income are considered, and the parties cannot agree on how the overpayment may be credited or repaid, the ALJ must enter an order providing that any difference may be:

     (a) Applied as an offset to any nonassistance child support arrears owed by the NCP to the CP.

     (b) In the form of a credit against the NCP's future child support obligation:

     (i) Spread equally over a twelve-month period starting the month after the administrative order becomes final; or

     (ii) When the future support obligation will end under the terms of the order in less than twelve months, spread equally over the life of the order.

     (c) Paid in the form of a direct reimbursement by the CP to the NCP, but only with the consent of the CP, unless support has been assigned to the state.

[]

     (2) A hearing on a notice of support owed served under WAC 388-14A-3312 is only for the purpose of determining:

     (a) Issues regarding the reimbursement of uninsured medical expenses, such as:

     (i) Whether the party on whom the notice was served is obligated under a support order to pay for uninsured medical expenses for the children covered by the order;

     (ii) Whether the party seeking reimbursement has provided sufficient proof of payment for uninsured medical expenses for the children;

     (iii) The total amount of uninsured medical expenses paid by the party seeking reimbursement;

     (iv) The obligated parent's share of the uninsured medical expenses;

     (v) The amount, if any, the obligated parent has already paid to the party seeking reimbursement;

     (vi) Whether the obligated parent provided coverage during the time in question if reimbursement of medical premium costs is requested; and

     (vii) The amount owed by the obligated parent to the party seeking reimbursement for unreimbursed medical expenses.

     (b) Issues regarding a monthly payment toward the premium paid for coverage for the children, such as:

     (i) Whether the support order requires the obligated parent to pay when the obligated parent does not provide coverage;

     (ii) Whether the obligated parent is currently providing coverage, or did so during the time period in question;

     (iii) The amount of the premium paid by the other parent or by the state to cover the child(ren);

     (iv) The obligated parent's proportionate share of the premium;

     (v) The amount, if any, the obligated parent has already contributed toward health insurance premiums paid by the other parent or the state for the time period in question; and

     (vi) The monthly amount to be paid by the obligated parent as his or her proportionate share of the health insurance premium.

     (3) If the administrative law judge (ALJ) determines that the uninsured medical expenses claimed by the party seeking reimbursement do not amount to at least five hundred dollars, the ALJ:

     (a) May not dismiss the notice on this basis;

     (b) Must make the determinations listed in subsection (2)(a) above.

     (4) In an annual review hearing under WAC 388-14A-3330, the ALJ may not set a payment schedule on the support debt other than as provided in WAC 388-14A-3312 if the ALJ determines that the obligated parent has paid less than his or her actual obligation for medical support under the order after actual expenses or updated proportionate shares owed are considered.

     (a) If the obligated parent is the noncustodial parent (NCP), any amounts owed are added to the NCP's support debt.

     (i) Any amounts owed to the custodial parent (CP) are added to the nonassistance child support arrears owed by the NCP to the CP.

     (ii) Any amounts owed to the state are added to the assigned child support arrears owed by the NCP.

     (b) If the obligated parent is the CP, any amounts owed are paid as provided in WAC 388-14A-3312(17).

     (5) If, in an annual review hearing under WAC 388-14A-3330, the ALJ determines that the NCP's obligation calculated in a previous notice of support owed is more than his or her actual obligation for medical support under the order after actual expenses or updated proportionate shares owed are considered, and the parties cannot agree on how the difference may be credited or repaid, the ALJ must enter an order providing that any difference may be:

     (a) Applied as an offset to any nonassistance child support arrears owed by the NCP to the CP.

     (b) In the form of a credit against the NCP's future child support obligation, if there is no nonassistance debt owed to the CP:

     (i) Spread equally over a twelve-month period starting the month after the administrative order becomes final; or

     (ii) When the future support obligation will end under the terms of the order in less than twelve months, spread equally over the life of the order.

     (c) Paid in the form of a direct reimbursement by the CP to the NCP, but only with the consent of the CP.

     (6) If the ALJ determines that the CP's obligation under a previous notice of support owed is more than his or her actual obligation for medical support under the order after actual expenses and updated proportionate share amounts are considered, and the parties cannot agree on how the difference may be credited or repaid, the ALJ must enter an order providing that any difference must be added to the nonassistance child support arrears owed by the NCP.

     (7) The ALJ must determine either or both of the following, depending on what was requested in the notice of support owed:

     (a) The amount owed by the obligated parent to the other for reimbursement of uninsured medical expenses; and

     (b) The monthly amount to be paid by the obligated parent as his or her proportionate share of the health insurance premium paid by the other parent or the state.

[]

     (a) Either the CP or the NCP may request an annual review of the support order, even though RCW 26.23.110 mentions only the NCP.

     (b) DCS may request an annual review of the support order but has no duty to do so.

     (2) For purposes of chapter 388-14A WAC, an "annual review of a support order" is defined as:

     (a) The collection by DCS of necessary information from CP and NCP;

     (b) The service of a notice of support owed under WAC 388-14A-3310; and

     (c) The determination of arrears and current support amount with an effective date which is at least twelve months after the date the last notice of support owed, or the last administrative order or decision based on a notice of support owed, became a final administrative order.

     (3) A notice of support owed may be prepared and served sooner than twelve months after the date the last notice of support owed, or the last administrative order or decision based on a notice of support owed, became a final administrative order, but the amounts determined under the notice of support owed may not be effective sooner than twelve months after that date.

     (4) For the purpose of this section, the terms "payee" and "CP" are interchangeable, and can mean either the payee under the order or the person with whom the child resides the majority of the time.

     (5) For purposes of chapter 388-14A WAC, the following rules apply to an "annual review of a support order" for a notice of support owed served under WAC 388-14A-3312:

     (a) Either the CP or the NCP may be the party seeking reimbursement, so long as the CP is both a party to the order and a parent of the child(ren) for whom the expenses were incurred.

     (b) The party seeking reimbursement must provide proof of payment of at least five hundred dollars in uninsured medical expenses for services provided in the last twenty-four months.

     (c) At least twelve months must have passed since:

     (i) The date the last notice of support owed for unreimbursed medical expenses on behalf of the party seeking reimbursement became a final order; or

     (ii) The last administrative order or decision based on a notice of support owed for unreimbursed medical expenses on behalf of that party became a final administrative order.

     (6) WAC 388-14A-3310(1) describes the different types of notice of support owed which are served by DCS. In the event that DCS has served more than one type of notice of support owed on the same case, each notice of support owed has its own twelve-month cycle for annual review.

     (7) For purposes of this section, the twelve-month cycle for annual review runs separately for the NCP and for the CP, depending on which one is the party seeking reimbursement.

[]

     (a) ((The monthly)) Your basic child support ((amount)) obligation for all of your biological or legal children cannot exceed forty-five percent of your monthly net income, unless there are special circumstances as provided in chapter 26.19 RCW((; and)).

     (i) RCW 26.19.065 provides that all of the children are entitled to a "pro rata" share of the income;

     (ii) When the forty-five percent limitation applies, DCS calculates your support obligation in a way that gives each child an equal share of the income;

     (iii) Either party may argue to the administrative law judge (ALJ) that "pro rata" does not mean the same as "equal," and may propose a different method of calculation or a different amount for the support obligation for the children in the case.

     (b) The monthly basic child support ((amount)) obligation cannot reduce your net monthly income below ((the one person need standard (WAC 388-478-0015))) the self-support reserve of one hundred twenty-five percent of the federal poverty guideline, unless there are special circumstances as provided in chapter 26.19 RCW.

     (2) See WAC 388-14A-3405 for information on how to find information about, and how to calculate the self-support reserve.

     (3) See WAC 388-14A-3405 for information on how DCS calculates and applies the self-support reserve.

     (4) No matter what your monthly child support obligation may be, RCW 26.23.060 and 74.20A.090 limit((s)) the amount that can be withheld from your wages for child support to fifty percent of your ((net monthly)) disposable earnings.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-3400, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-11-205.]

     (a) Uses the amount shown for a one-person family in the federal poverty guideline for the current year; and

     (b) Multiplies that amount by one hundred twenty-five percent.

     (2) The self-support reserve does not vary depending on whether or not the parent is responsible for shelter costs.

     (3) An administrative law judge (ALJ) must calculate and apply the self-support reserve using the one-person family amount.

     (4) The provisions of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) are not binding on the superior courts or tribal courts. Those tribunals may use different methods for calculating and applying the self-support reserve.

[]

     (2) A parent required to provide medical support or health insurance coverage for a child is called the obligated parent, and can be either the custodial parent (CP) or the noncustodial parent (NCP).

     (((2))) (3) WAC 388-14A-4111 and 388-14A-4112 describe when DCS may accept or decline a request to enforce a medical support obligation.

     (4) When DCS is enforcing a support order which contains a specific dollar limit for the cost of health insurance premiums or provides for coverage which is available at no cost to the ((NCP)) obligated parent, DCS does not require the ((NCP)) obligated parent to provide health insurance if coverage is not available within the limitations of the order.

     (((3))) (5) When DCS is enforcing a support order entered in Washington on or after October 1, 2009, providing that either or both parents must provide coverage and/or a proportionate share of uninsured medical expenses as part of the medical support obligation under RCW 26.09.105, the rules in this subsection apply unless the support order specifies differently:

     (a) The obligated parent must provide health insurance for the dependent child(ren) covered by the order if coverage is:

     (i) Available or becomes available through accessible private insurance which is not provided through the obligated parent's employer or union; or

     (ii) Available or becomes available through the obligated parent's employment or union at a cost that is not more than twenty-five percent of the obligated parent's basic support obligation.

     (b) If the obligated parent does not provide proof of coverage or if coverage is not available, DCS may serve a notice of support owed under WAC 388-14A-3312 to determine the monthly amount that the obligated parent must pay as his or her proportionate share of any premium paid by the other parent or by the state on behalf of the child(ren).

     (6) When DCS is enforcing a support order entered ((on or after)) in Washington between May 13, 1989 and September 30, 2009, unless the support order specifies differently, the ((NCP)) obligated parent must provide health insurance for dependent children if coverage is:

     (a) Available or becomes available through the ((NCP's)) obligated parent's employment or union; and

     (b) Available at a cost of not greater than twenty-five per cent of the ((NCP's)) obligated parent's basic support obligation.

     (((4))) (7) When DCS is enforcing a Washington support order entered prior to May 13, 1989, unless the support order specifies differently, the ((NCP)) obligated parent must provide health insurance for the dependent ((children)) child(ren) if coverage is available or becomes available through the ((NCP's)) obligated parent's employment or union:

     (a) For a maximum of twenty-five dollars per month, if the order specifies that the ((NCP)) obligated parent must provide coverage only if it is available at a reasonable cost; or

     (b) For any premium amount whatsoever, if the order does not specify reasonable cost.

     (((5))) (8) DCS serves a notice of intent to enforce a health insurance obligation if the support order:

     (a) Requires the ((NCP)) obligated parent either to provide health insurance coverage or prove that coverage is not available; and

     (b) Does not inform the ((NCP)) obligated parent that failure to provide health insurance or prove it is not available may result in enforcement of the order without notice to the ((NCP)) obligated parent.

     (((6))) (9) DCS serves the notice of intent to enforce a health insurance obligation on the ((NCP)) obligated parent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal service.

     (((7))) (10) The notice advises the ((NCP)) obligated parent that ((the NCP)) he or she must submit proof of coverage, proof that coverage is not available, or proof that the ((NCP)) obligated parent has applied for coverage, within twenty days of the date of service of the notice.

     (((8))) (11) The notice advises the ((NCP)) obligated parent that, if health insurance is not yet available, the ((NCP)) obligated parent must immediately notify DCS if health insurance coverage becomes available through the ((NCP's)) obligated parent's employer or union.

     (((9))) (12) When DCS enforces an ((NCP's)) obligated parent's health insurance obligation, such enforcement may include asking the employer and the plan administrator to enroll the ((NCP)) obligated parent in a health insurance plan available through the employer.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.20A.310, and 26.18.170, 42 U.S.C. 666 (a)(19), Child Support Performance and Incentives Act of 1998, 45 C.F.R. 303.31, and 45 C.F.R. 303.32. 04-17-119, § 388-14A-4100, filed 8/17/04, effective 9/17/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.18.170, 26.18.180, 74.20A.055. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-4100, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-11-215 and 388-14-460.]

     (a) Provide health insurance coverage; and

     (b) Provide proof of coverage to the other parent and to the division of child support (DCS), such as:

     (i) The name of the insurer providing the health insurance coverage;

     (ii) The names of the beneficiaries covered;

     (iii) The policy number;

     (iv) That coverage is current; and

     (v) The name and address of the obligated parent's employer.

     (2) If private, union or employer-provided health insurance coverage that is accessible to the children named in the order is available, the obligated parent must:

     (a) Provide for coverage for the children without waiting for an open enrollment period, as provided under RCW 48.01.235 (4)(a); and

     (b) Submit proof of coverage as outlined in subsection (1)(b) above.

     (3) If health insurance is not immediately available to the obligated parent, as soon as health insurance becomes available, the obligated parent must:

     (a) Provide for coverage for the children named in the order; and

     (b) Submit proof of coverage as outlined in subsection (1)(b) above.

     (4) Medical assistance provided by the department under chapter 74.09 RCW does not substitute for health insurance.

     (5) DCS may serve a notice of support owed for medical support under WAC 388-14A-3312 to establish either or both of the following:

     (a) Either parent's share of uninsured medical expenses owed to the other parent; or

     (b) Either parent's monthly payment toward the premium paid for coverage by the other parent or the state, if:

     (i) Health insurance coverage is not available through the parent's employer or union or is not otherwise provided; and

     (ii) The support order provides for the payment of a monthly payment toward the premium when the obligated parent does not provide coverage.

     (6) See WAC 388-14A-4165 for a description of what happens when the combined total of a noncustodial parent's current support obligation, arrears payment and health insurance premiums to be withheld by the employer exceeds the fifty per cent limitation for withholding.

     (7) Both parents must notify DCS any time there is a change to the health insurance coverage for the children named in the order.

     (8) WAC 388-14A-4111 and 388-14A-4112 describe when DCS may accept or decline a request to enforce a medical support obligation.

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-4110, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.20A.310, and 26.18.170, 42 U.S.C. 666 (a)(19), Child Support Performance and Incentives Act of 1998, 45 C.F.R. 303.31, and 45 C.F.R. 303.32. 04-17-119, § 388-14A-4110, filed 8/17/04, effective 9/17/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.18.170, 26.18.180, 74.20A.055. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-4110, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-11-215.]

     (1) The medical support obligation is imposed by a child support order that was not entered in a court or administrative forum of the state of Washington;

     (2) The department of social and health services is not paying public assistance or providing foster care services;

     (3) The party requesting enforcement of the medical support obligation does not have an open IV-D case with DCS for the child;

     (4) The party requesting enforcement of the medical support obligation is not a parent of the child for whom the medical support obligation was established;

     (5) The party is requesting reimbursement of the obligated parent's proportionate share of medical premium costs, and the obligated parent is providing accessible health insurance coverage for the child;

     (6) The party requesting enforcement of the medical support obligation is not a former recipient of public assistance as described in WAC 388-14A-2000 (2)(d);

     (7) DCS has not received a request for services from a child support agency in another state or a child support agency of an Indian tribe or foreign country;

     (8) The party requesting enforcement of the medical support obligation has not applied for full support enforcement services;

     (9) The party requesting enforcement of the medical support obligation does not qualify as a party who can receive child support enforcement services from DCS under WAC 388-14A-2000;

     (10) The case does not meet the requirements for provision of support enforcement services from DCS under WAC 388-14A-2010;

     (11) DCS denies the application under WAC 388-14A-2020;

     (12) The party requesting enforcement of the medical support obligation does not provide proof of payment, any required forms, and/or the declaration under penalty of perjury required under WAC 388-14A-3312;

     (13) The case meets one or more of the reasons set out in WAC 388-14A-4112(2) that DCS does not enforce a custodial parent's obligation to provide medical support.

[]

     (2) DCS does not enforce the CP's medical support obligation unless the NCP files an application for nonassistance support enforcement services under WAC 388-14A-2000 (2)(c). The NCP must specify whether he or she is requesting that DCS enforce the CP's obligation to provide:

     (a) The CP's proportionate share of uninsured medical expenses;

     (b) Health insurance coverage (including the possibility of a monthly payment toward the premium paid by the NCP for coverage of the children when appropriate); or

     (c) Both.

     (3) A medical support obligation includes providing health insurance coverage or contributing a monthly payment toward the premium paid for coverage when appropriate, and paying a proportionate share of any uninsured medical expenses for the children.

     (a) DCS may enforce the CP's obligation to pay a proportionate share of any uninsured medical expenses for the children under WAC 388-14A-3312.

     (b) DCS may decide whether it is appropriate to enforce the CP's obligation to provide health insurance coverage or contribute a monthly payment toward the premium paid for coverage under subsection (4) of this section.

     (4) DCS does not enforce a custodial parent's obligation to provide health insurance coverage or pay a monthly payment toward the premium paid for coverage when:

     (a) The support order does not include a medical support obligation which includes providing health insurance ((obligation)) or paying monthly payment toward the premium paid for coverage for the CP.

     (b) The NCP is already providing health insurance coverage for the children covered by the order.

     (c) The amount that the CP would have to pay for the premium for health insurance exceeds the NCP's monthly support obligation for the children.

     (d) The children are covered by health insurance provided by someone else.

     (e) The children are receiving medicaid.

     (f) The children are receiving TANF.

     (g) The CP does not reside in Washington state.

     (h) The CP is a tribal member living on or near the reservation.

     (i) The CP is receiving child support enforcement services through a tribal IV-D program.

     (((3))) (5) DCS does not enforce a CP's obligation to pay a proportionate share of medical expenses incurred by an NCP when:

     (a) The support order does not include an obligation for the CP to pay a proportionate share of uninsured medical expenses; or

     (b) The NCP is already providing health insurance coverage for the children covered by the order.

     (6) If none of the conditions under subsection (((2))) (4) exist, DCS may enforce the CP's obligation to provide health insurance coverage when the CP has health insurance available at a reasonable cost through the CP's employer or union.

     (((4))) (7) A "reasonable cost" for health insurance coverage is defined as twenty-five percent of the basic support obligation for the children covered by the order, unless the support order provides a different limitation.

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-4112, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08.]

     (2) An NCP is entitled to the reduction for premiums paid only if((:

     (a))) the NCP submits proof of the cost of coverage ((as provided in WAC 388-14A-4110 (1)(b); and

     (b) NCP actually pays the required premium)) which is actually being provided at the time the support order is entered, so that the amounts can be included in the worksheet calculation.

     (3) ((If the NCP fails to submit proof or pay the premium, the division of child support (DCS) collects the NCP's adjusted basic support obligation without a reduction for health insurance premium payments)) If health insurance coverage terminates or if the amount of the premium changes, this does not mean that the transfer payment is automatically increased or decreased. However, such a change may constitute the basis for a petition to modify the support order.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.18.170, 26.18.180, 74.20A.055. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-4115, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-11-215.]

     (2) DCS sends the NMSN to the obligated parent's employer in one of the following ways:

     (a) In the same manner as a summons in a civil action,

     (b) By certified mail, return receipt requested,

     (c) By regular mail, or

     (d) By electronic means as provided in WAC 388-14A-4040 (1)(d).

     (3) DCS sends the NMSN without notice to the obligated parent, who could be either the noncustodial parent (NCP) or the custodial parent (CP) when:

     (a) A court or administrative order requires the obligated parent to provide insurance coverage for a dependent child;

     (b) The obligated parent fails to provide health insurance (either by not covering the child or by letting the coverage lapse) or fails to provide proof of coverage;

     (c) The requirements of RCW 26.23.050 are met; and

     (d) DCS has reason to believe that coverage is available through the obligated parent's employer or union.

     (4) If sending the NMSN does not result in coverage for the child, DCS may seek to enforce the obligated parent's medical support obligation by other means, as provided in RCW 26.18.170 and WAC 388-14A-4100.

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-4120, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.20A.310, and 26.18.170, 42 U.S.C. 666 (a)(19), Child Support Performance and Incentives Act of 1998, 45 C.F.R. 303.31, and 45 C.F.R. 303.32. 04-17-119, § 388-14A-4120, filed 8/17/04, effective 9/17/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.18.170, 26.18.180, 74.20A.055. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-4120, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-11-215 and 388-14-480.]

     (2) When the division of child support (DCS) enforces a child support obligation through an income withholding action and also enforces a health insurance obligation, the noncustodial parent's employer often must withhold amounts for:

     (a) Current child support;

     (b) Child support arrears; and

     (c) Health insurance premiums.

     (3) When the employer or plan administrator must enroll the noncustodial parent (NCP) in a health insurance plan in order to enroll the children (see WAC 388-14A-4140), the premium amount for the NCP's coverage is included in the amounts to withhold under subsection (2) above. If the NCP is already enrolled in a plan, the premium amount for the NCP's coverage is not included the amounts to withhold under that subsection.

     (4) If the combined amounts for current support, support arrears and health insurance premiums are more than fifty percent of the noncustodial parent's disposable earnings, the employer must notify DCS immediately.

     (5) In certain circumstances, DCS may adjust the amount to be withheld for support arrears so that the total amount withheld does not exceed fifty percent of the noncustodial parent's disposable earnings.

     (6) If the noncustodial parent's current support obligation plus health insurance premiums exceeds fifty percent of the noncustodial parent's disposable earnings, DCS:

     (a) Enforces the child support obligation through income withholding; but

     (b) Is not able to enforce the noncustodial parent's health insurance obligation at that time.

     (7) In the situation described in subsection (6), DCS may establish a monthly payment toward the premium, as described in WAC 388-14A-3312, even if the combined amount for the current support obligation and the monthly payment toward the premium exceeds fifty percent of the NCP's disposable earnings.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.20A.310, and 26.18.170, 42 U.S.C. 666 (a)(19), Child Support Performance and Incentives Act of 1998, 45 C.F.R. 303.31, and 45 C.F.R. 303.32. 04-17-119, § 388-14A-4165, filed 8/17/04, effective 9/17/04.]

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 08-12-029, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08)

WAC 388-14A-4175   ((Is an employer)) Who is required to notify the division of child support when insurance coverage for the children ends?   (1) Once the division of child support (DCS) has notified an employer that a parent is obligated by a support order to provide health insurance coverage for the children named in the order, the National Medical Support Notice (NMSN) or other notice of enrollment remains in effect as specified in WAC 388-14A-4170.

     (2) If coverage for the children is terminated, the employer must notify DCS within thirty days of the date coverage ends.

     (3) A parent who is required by a child support order to provide health insurance coverage for his or her children must notify DCS and the other parent within thirty days of the date coverage for the children ends. This requirement applies whether the obligated parent is the custodial parent or the noncustodial parent.

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-4175, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.20A.310, and 26.18.170, 42 U.S.C. 666 (a)(19), Child Support Performance and Incentives Act of 1998, 45 C.F.R. 303.31, and 45 C.F.R. 303.32. 04-17-119, § 388-14A-4175, filed 8/17/04, effective 9/17/04.]

     (2) DCS must provide ((HRSA)) MPA with the following information:

     (a) Title IV-A case number, Title IV-E foster care case number, medicaid number or the individual's Social Security number;

     (b) Name of the obligated parent;

     (c) Social Security number of the obligated parent;

     (d) Name and Social Security number of the child(ren) named in the order;

     (e) Home address of the obligated parent;

     (f) Name and address of the obligated parent's employer;

     (g) Information regarding the obligated parent's health insurance policy; and

     (h) Whether the child(ren) named in the order are covered by the policy.

     (3) DCS must periodically communicate with ((HRSA)) MPA to determine if there have been any lapses (stops and starts) in the obligated parent's health insurance coverage for medicaid applicants.

     (4) Before DCS may serve a notice of support owed under WAC 388-14A-3312 (1)(b) to establish an obligated parent's monthly payment toward the premium paid by the state for coverage, MPA must provide information regarding the premium paid for each child covered by the notice.

     (a) DCS distributes to MPA any collections based on the obligation established under WAC 388-14A-3312 (1)(b) when the child receives state-financed medical coverage through the department under chapter 74.09 RCW for which there is an assignment.

     (b) Such collections are retained by the department to reimburse the state, subject to the limitations in WAC 388-14A-2035(4).

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-4180, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.20A.310 and 45 C.F.R. 303.32, 45 C.F.R. 303.30, 45 C.F.R. 303.31. 05-08-060, § 388-14A-4180, filed 3/31/05, effective 5/1/05.]

     (2) A support order which provides a monthly amount of child support for two or more children, but does not provide a specific support obligation for each child, may be a differentiated support order or an undifferentiated support order.

     (a) To determine whether a support order is differentiated or undifferentiated, the division of child support (DCS) reviews the information contained in the support order, and, if necessary to interpret the intent of the order, may consider the worksheets associated with the order.

     (b) When the order may justifiably be divided into per child amounts for each child, the division of child support (DCS) calls it a "differentiated support order."

     (c) When the order does not contain enough information in either the order or the worksheets to justify dividing the monthly amount into per child amounts for each child, DCS calls it an "undifferentiated support order."

     (d) The support amounts set by these orders are called either "differentiated support amounts" or "undifferentiated support amounts," respectively.

     (3) When DCS is calculating a support obligation for more than one child in an administrative support obligation notice, DCS may set the monthly support obligation as an undifferentiated amount for the reasons listed in WAC 388-14A-3200(4).

     (4) When DCS is enforcing a support order, WAC 388-14A-4810 through 388-14A-4830 address how DCS:

     (a) Determines whether a support order which does not state a per month per child amount may justifiably be divided into a per child amount for each child covered by the support order; and

     (b) Deals with a support order which does not contain enough information in either the order or the worksheets associated with the order to justify dividing the monthly amount into "per child" amounts for each child covered by the support order.

[]

     (a) The child support schedule worksheets which RCW 26.19.035(4) requires to be attached to or filed with the support order;

     (b) Any residential schedule or parenting plan filed in the case where the support order was entered;

     (c) Any findings of fact and conclusions of law filed in the case where the support order was entered; or

     (d) Any other documents signed or approved by the tribunal which entered the child support order.

     (2) Unless the worksheets provide for credits or deviations after the basic child support obligation is determined, DCS may consider the support amounts to be differentiated and determine a per-child amount to be paid by the noncustodial parent (NCP) if:

     (a) The order or documents filed with the order reflect a per-child calculation and indicate the court intended to enter a per-child order; and

     (b) The NCP's proportional share of all the per-child amounts equals the whole transfer payment amount.

     (3) If DCS can determine a per-child amount of support, DCS determines the NCP's differentiated transfer payment by applying the NCP's proportional share of income (line six on the worksheet) to the basic support obligation for each child (line five on the worksheet). Example. Assume the support order states that NCP's transfer payment for three children is four hundred twenty dollars, but the order does not provide per-child support amounts. However, line six of the worksheet shows that the NCP's proportional share of income is .6 or sixty percent, and line five shows a basic support obligation of three hundred dollars for child number one, two hundred dollars for child number two and two hundred dollars for child number three. DCS can determine the NCP's support obligation to be one hundred eighty dollars (.6 x three hundred dollars) for child number one, and one hundred twenty dollars (.6 x two hundred dollars) each for child number two and child number three.

     (4) When the NCP's support obligation for one or more, but not all, of the children covered by an undifferentiated support order is terminated for any reason, DCS determines whether the amount to be enforced for NCP's monthly support obligation under the order should change:

     (a) If DCS is able to determine a per-month amount for each child, DCS may reduce the amount of the NCP's monthly obligation to be enforced by the per-month amount for each child who is no longer covered by the order.

     (b) If DCS is unable to determine a per-month amount for each child, DCS continues to enforce the undifferentiated amount of support until there is no longer any child covered by the support order.

[]

     (2) DCS reviews the order as provided in WAC 388-14A-4810 and then advises the parties of its decision.

     (3) If a CP disagrees with DCS' decision, the CP may request a hearing on a distribution and disbursement statement, as provided in WAC 388-14A-5100.

     (4) If either the NCP or the CP disagrees with DCS' interpretation of the order, the aggrieved party may request a conference board under WAC 388-14A-6400.

     (5) Either the NCP or the CP may proceed in superior court to seek:

     (a) An order clarifying the NCP's monthly support obligation;

     (b) An order modifying the support order; or

     (c) Any other appropriate relief.

[]

     (a) As long as the NCP's support obligation for all of the children has not been terminated, the NCP continues to owe the total amount of child support stated in the support order;

     (b) The division of child support (DCS) allocates the NCP's support obligation between the various cases based on which children reside with each CP.

     (c) DCS distributes support collections among the cases as provided in WAC 388-14A-5001 through 388-14A-5050.

     (2) To allocate the child support amounts between cases, DCS determines whether the support order states a per-child amount for each child covered by the order. If the support order contains an undifferentiated amount of support, DCS reviews the order under WAC 388-14A-4810.

     (3) If DCS determines a per-child amount for each child, DCS allocates the per-child amounts to the appropriate cases.

     (4) If DCS is unable to determine a per-child amount for each child because the order is undifferentiated, DCS divides the NCP's total monthly support obligation by the number of children and allocates each child's fractional share of the total support obligation to that child's case.

     (a) DCS divides the undifferentiated support amount for administrative efficiency, and so that support can be disbursed to each CP.

     (b) The fact that DCS allocates fractional shares between cases does not convert the undifferentiated order into a differentiated order.

     (5) If the NCP disagrees with DCS' decision, the NCP may request a conference board under WAC 388-14A-6400.

     (6) If a CP disagrees with DCS' decision, the CP may request a hearing on a distribution and disbursement statement, as provided in WAC 388-14A-5100.

     (7) Either the NCP or one or more CPs may proceed in superior court to seek:

     (a) An order clarifying the NCP's monthly support obligation;

     (b) An order modifying the support order; or

     (c) Any other appropriate relief.

[]

     (a) Proportionate distribution is administratively inefficient; or

     (b) The collection resulted from the sale or disposition of a specific piece of property against which a court awarded the custodial parent (CP) a judgment lien for child support; or

     (c) The collection is the result of a contempt order which provides that DCS must distribute the amounts to a particular case.

     (2) If the collection is the result of an automated enforcement of interstate (AEI) transaction under RCW 74.20A.188, DCS applies the payment as provided in WAC 388-14A-5006, even if the requesting state wants the payment applied to a specific case.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 26.23.035, 74.08.090, 74.20A.188, 74.20A.310, 42 U.S.C. 666(a)14. 01-24-078, § 388-14A-5007, filed 12/3/01, effective 1/3/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.035, 74.20A.057, 74.20A.310. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-5007, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-14-270.]

     (2) In hearings held under this chapter to contest a notice and finding of financial responsibility or a notice and finding of parental responsibility or other notice or petition, the ALJ must determine:

     (a) The noncustodial parent's obligation to provide support under RCW 74.20A.057;

     (b) The names and dates of birth of the children covered by the support order;

     (c) The net monthly income of the noncustodial parent (NCP) and any custodial parent (CP);

     (d) The NCP's share of the basic support obligation and any adjustments to that share, according to his or her circumstances;

     (e) Each party's proportionate share of costs such as health care, day care and special child rearing expenses;

     (f) If requested by a party, the NCP's proportionate share of ((any)) costs such as health care, day care and special child-rearing expenses in a sum certain amount per month;

     (((f))) (g) A statement that either or both parents are obligated to provide medical support under RCW 26.09.105 and 26.18.170, as provided in subsection (3) of this section, including but not limited to ((the following:

     (i) A requirement that either or both parents are obligated to provide health insurance coverage for the child covered by the support order if coverage that can be extended to cover the child is or becomes available through the parent's employment or union;

     (ii))) notice that if proof of health insurance coverage or proof that the coverage is unavailable is not provided to DCS within twenty days, DCS may seek direct enforcement through the obligated parent's employer or union without further notice to the parent((; and

     (iii) The reasons for not ordering health insurance coverage if the order fails to require such coverage;

     (g) A provision which determines the mother and the father's proportionate share of uninsured medical expenses));

     (h) The NCP's accrued debt and order payments toward the debt in a monthly amount to be determined by the division of child support (DCS);

     (i) The NCP's current and future monthly support obligation as a per month per child amount ((and order payments in that amount)), if appropriate under WAC 388-14A-3200(4) and 388-14A-4800; and

     (j) The NCP's total current and future support obligation as a sum certain and order payments in that amount.

     (3) In determining the medical support obligation of the parents, the ALJ must:

     (a) Require both parents to provide medical support for the children covered by the order. Medical support includes both:

     (i) The obligation to provide health insurance coverage for the children or to make a monthly contribution toward the premium paid for coverage by the other parent or the state when coverage is not available; and

     (ii) The obligation to pay his or her proportionate share of uninsured medical expenses.

     (b) Determine whether one (but not both) of the parents should be excused from the obligation to provide coverage or contribute to a premium.

     (i) The ALJ must state the reasons for excusing a parent from the coverage obligation.

     (ii) The ALJ may not excuse that parent from the obligation to contribute his or her proportionate share of uninsured medical expenses.

     (4) Having made the determinations required in subsection (2) above, the ALJ must order the NCP to make payments to the Washington state support registry (WSSR).

     (((4))) (5) The ALJ must allow DCS to orally amend the notice at the hearing to conform to the evidence. The ALJ may grant a continuance, when necessary, to allow the NCP or the CP additional time to present rebutting evidence or argument as to the amendment.

     (((5))) (6) The ALJ may not require DCS to produce or obtain information, documents, or witnesses to assist the NCP or CP in proof of defenses to liability. However, this rule does not apply to relevant, nonconfidential information or documents that DCS has in its possession.

     (((6))) (7) In a hearing held on a notice of support owed served on the NCP under WAC 388-14A-3310 or 388-14A-3311, the ALJ must comply with WAC 388-14A-3323 and 388-14A-3325 to determine, depending on what was requested in the notice:

     (a) Whether a condition precedent in the order to begin or adjust the support obligation was met;

     (b) The amount of monthly support as a fixed dollar amount;

     (c) Any accrued arrears;

     (d) Any difference between the amount calculated in the order resulting a previous notice of support owed and the actual amount of the NCP's obligation for the period covered by the order; and

     (e) The amount of the NCP's share of daycare or child care expenses for the children, including:

     (i) The amount that the NCP must pay each month as his or her ongoing share of daycare or child care expenses for the children; and

     (ii) The amount of NCP's accrued debt for daycare or child care expenses.

     (8) In a hearing held on a notice of support owed served on either the NCP or the CP issued under WAC 388-14A-3312, the ALJ must determine either or both of the following, depending on what was requested in the notice:

     (a) The amount owed by the obligated parent to the other for unreimbursed medical expenses;

     (b) The monthly amount to be paid by the obligated parent as his or her proportionate share of the health insurance premium paid by the other parent or the state.

     (((a))) (9) Except as provided in WAC 388-14A-3324, the ALJ does not specify how the amounts owed by the obligated parent should be paid.

     (((b))) (10) In the event that DCS has served a notice of support owed under WAC 388-14A-3312 on both the NCP and the CP, the ALJ must issue a separate administrative order for each notice issued, and may not set off the debts against each other.

[Statutory Authority: 2007 c 143, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9. 08-12-029, § 388-14A-6300, filed 5/29/08, effective 7/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 34.05.220 (1)(a), 74.20A.055. 07-06-053, § 388-14A-6300, filed 3/2/07, effective 4/2/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.160. 06-09-015, § 388-14A-6300, filed 4/10/06, effective 5/11/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 26.23.050, 34.05.220, 74.08.090, 74.20A.310. 05-14-102, § 388-14A-6300, filed 6/30/05, effective 7/31/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 26.23.050, 34.05.220, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056, 45 CFR 303.11, 45 CFR 303.100. 01-03-089, § 388-14A-6300, filed 1/17/01, effective 2/17/01. Formerly WAC 388-11-100 and 388-11-210.]

     (2) DCS establishes a joint support obligation when the parents reside together and are either married or in a registered domestic partnership.

     (3) DCS calculates each parent's income under the rules set out in WAC 388-14A-3205, and then calculates the income of the marital or domestic partnership community by combining both parents' income in ((the "Father")) one column of the worksheet and does not put any income or other information in the (("Mother")) other column.

     (((3))) (4) DCS calculates the joint support obligation using the limitations contained in RCW 26.19.065:

     (a) The joint child support obligation may not exceed forty-five percent of the net income of the ((marital)) community except for good cause.

     (b) ((Even with the need standard)) DCS follows WAC 388-14A-3410 when calculating and applying the self-support reserve limitation.

     (c) Even though there are two parents involved, and despite the application of any limitations, ((there is a)) the presumptive minimum obligation of ((twenty-five)) fifty dollars per month per child applies when DCS sets a joint child support obligation.

     (((c))) (d) DCS or the administrative law judge (ALJ) may find reasons for deviation and must support those reasons with appropriate findings of fact in the support order.

     (((4))) (5) As described in subsection (2) of this section, the support obligation in the (("Father")) column of the WSCSS worksheet which contains information regarding both parents is the joint support obligation of the parents. ((The support obligation in the "Mother" column of the WSCSS worksheet is irrelevant for purposes of this particular support calculation.))

     (((5))) (6) DCS determines the joint support obligation of the parents without regard to the cost of foster care placement, as provided in WAC 388-14A-8105.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220(1), 74.08.090, 74.20A.055, 74.20A.056. 06-16-073, § 388-14A-8130, filed 7/28/06, effective 8/28/06.]

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