WSR 21-17-123

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

[Filed August 17, 2021, 12:52 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering adding a new section in chapter 388-78A WAC, Assisted living facility licensing rules, and amending other related rules as may be necessary to implement ESHB 1120 (chapter 203, Laws of 2021).

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.20.090 Rules, regulations, and standards.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule making is necessary to implement ESHB 1120 (chapter 203, Laws of 2021). The amendments to chapter 388-78A WAC will reestablish inspection timelines and identify the period of time that inspections were held in suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with Governor Proclamation 20-18.

Process for Developing New Rule: The department will use a collaborative rule-making process to develop and receive comments on the draft rules. Draft material and information about how to participate in the rule-making process 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 Libby Wagner, Policy Program Manager, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98513, phone 360-464-0487, email libby.wagner@dshs.wa.gov.

August 17, 2021

Katherine I. Vasquez

Rules Coordinator