WSR 15-18-100

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed September 1, 2015, 10:56 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-335 WAC, In-home services agencies, the department of health (department) is considering a comprehensive chapter review which may include the clarification, streamlining, and modernization of rules.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 70.127 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department has not conducted a comprehensive review of chapter 246-335 WAC since 2002. Throughout the past thirteen years, department program and survey staff, licensees, and industry stakeholders have identified numerous areas of the rules that require clarification, streamlining, and modernization. Rule making is necessary in order to bring the in-home services rules up-to-date and ensure the most current industry standards are in place for the public's safety and well-being.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Interested parties may participate in the development of draft rules prior to a formal proposal by joining the in-home services listserv, attending rule workshops, and providing input on draft and proposed materials. To be included on an interested parties list contact John Hilger, Program Manager, Health Professions and Facilities, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47852, 111 Israel Road S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7852, or e-mail john.hilger@doh.wa.gov, phone (360) 236-2929, fax (360) 236-2321.

September 1, 2015

Dennis E. Worsham

Deputy Secretary

for John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary