Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is planning to amend WAC 388-101D-0025, 388-101D-0120, and other related rules as may be required.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: ESSB 6032 (2018) directs the department to replace hourly payment methodology with a tiered rate methodology for residential services providers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the developmental disabilities administration's (DDA) waiver amendments, which require implementation of the tiered rate system on January 1, 2019. Amending these rules is necessary to implement the tiered rates system and meet deadlines under ESSB 6032 and the approved waiver amendments.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: The department of social and health services (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 Chantelle Diaz, DDA, P.O. Box 45310, Olympia, WA 98504-5310, phone 360-407-1589, fax 360-407-0955, TTY 1-800-833-6388, email Chantelle.Diaz@dshs.wa.gov.