WSR 19-03-167

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

(Aging and Long-Term Support Administration)

[Filed January 23, 2019, 10:36 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is planning to amend WAC 388-97-1090 Direct care hours, and other related rules as may be required.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.42.620.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is planning to amend WAC 388-97-1090 to implement ESHB 1548, which requires the department to establish rules that allow a geriatric behavioral health worker to be recognized in the minimum staffing requirement as part of the direct care service delivery. ESHB 1548 requires these rules to include standards or requirements for work skills, work experience, training, and supervision.

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 invites the public to review and provide input on the draft language in this rule. Draft material and information about how to participate may be obtained from the department representative listed below.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Lisa Herke, Policy Program Manager, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 509-225-2819, fax 360-725-3224, email herkela@dshs.wa.gov.

January 16, 2019

Katherine I. Vasquez

Rules Coordinator