WSR 18-05-060

PROPOSED RULES

[Filed February 15, 2018, 2:55 p.m.]

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 17-07-034.

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The department is proposing to repeal chapter 388-60 WAC, Domestic violence perpetrator treatment program standards, and create sections in new chapter 388-60A WAC, Domestic violence intervention program standards.

Hearing Location(s): On April 24, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., at Office Building 2, Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Headquarters, 1115 Washington, Olympia, WA 98504. Public parking at 11th and Jefferson. A map is available at https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sesa/rules-and-policies-assistance-unit/driving-directions-office-bldg-2.

Date of Intended Adoption: Not earlier than April 25, 2018.

Submit Written Comments to: DSHS Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504, email DSHSRPAURulesCoordinator@dshs.wa.gov, fax 360-664-6185, by 5:00 p.m., April 24, 2018.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Jeff Kildahl, DSHS rules consultant, phone 360-664-6092, fax 360-664-6185, TTY 711 relay service, email Kildaja@dshs.wa.gov, by April 10, 2018.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The repeal of chapter 388-60 WAC and creation of chapter 388-60A WAC are intended to update rules to raise the standards of domestic violence perpetrator treatment, thereby increasing the effectiveness of treatment throughout Washington state. A crosswalk table of existing and new WAC sections is available upon request.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: These standards have not been updated since 2001. The new requirements will increase the effectiveness of domestic violence treatment and increase the safety of victims and their children.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 26.50.150.

Name of Proponent: DSHS, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Amie Roberts, P.O. Box 45710, Olympia, WA 98504-5710, 360-902-7962.

A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Amie Roberts, P.O. Box 45710, Olympia, WA 98504-5710, phone 360-902-7962, email amie.roberts@dshs.wa.gov.

The proposed rule does not impose more-than-minor costs on businesses. Following is a summary of the agency's analysis showing how costs were calculated. DSHS conducted a survey and invited all currently certified domestic violence treatment programs to participate. The results indicated the rule would not have "more than a minor" economic impact to the businesses that provide domestic violence treatment.

A copy of the detailed cost calculations may be obtained by contacting Amie Roberts, P.O. Box 45710, Olympia, WA 98504-5710, phone 360-902-7962, email amie.roberts@dshs.wa.gov.

February 15, 2018

Katherine I. Vasquez

Rules Coordinator