WSR 13-22-078

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed November 6, 2013, 6:54 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is proposing to amend most sections of chapter 388-823 WAC, Division of developmental disabilities intake and determination of developmental disabilities.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.520.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Amendments to this chapter may change eligibility requirements for some individuals applying for services from the developmental disabilities administration (DDA). Other changes will correct inconsistencies with RCW language. In addition, housekeeping changes will be made such as WAC and RCW references and division of developmental disabilities to DDA.

Proposed amendments to this chapter are necessary to clarify rules which determine whether an individual meets the requirements for DDA eligibility. Overall changes in organization and language are needed to reduce confusion for DDA applicants. Amendments will also align eligibility requirements for autism with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Furthermore, combining the categories of "another neurological" and "other condition" will eliminate the inconsistency between the WAC and RCW language.

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

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Alan McMullen, P.O. Box 45310, Olympia, WA 98504-5310, phone (360) 725-3524, fax (360) 407-0955, TTY 1-800-833-6388, e-mail alan.mcmullen@dshs.wa.gov.

November 5, 2013

Katherine I. Vasquez

Rules Coordinator