WSR 17-09-046

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed April 17, 2017, 11:23 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-980 WAC, Home care aides, the department of health is considering amending the rules to allow a one-time opportunity to expand the applicants work period beyond the initial date of hire to allow individuals to complete their certification. The department is also considering revising the rules to reduce barriers to reentry.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.88B.021.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Current statute allows only two hundred calendar days to work while pursuing home care aide certification, unless exempt. After that, workers must complete training, pass the certification exam, and be issued a home care aide credential before returning to work. This exacerbates the current supply of workers which does not meet the demand for home care aides. The department is considering a one-time opportunity to work for a second period of two hundred calendar days, at least one calendar year after the initial date of hire, while pursuing certification to better meet the need for trained, certified home care aides. Also considering revising the rules for exempt workers who return to the field after 3+ years.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department of social and health services also regulates aspects of home care aides, and will be consulted on an ongoing basis.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Persons interested in participating in the rule-making process may contact the Washington state home care aide program at Homecareaides@doh.wa.gov, fax (360) 236-2901, by mail Home Care Aide Program, P.O. Box 47852 [47877], Olympia, WA 98504-7877, or may contact Stacey Saunders at (360) 236-2813.

April 17, 2017

John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary