Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is planning to reconcile the differences in the training section language between chapters 388-112A and 388-71 WAC, update language related to new technologies, and update language related to inclusivity. The department may amend other related rules as required.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Training requirements for all long-term care workers are regulated by the same policies. Long-term care workers who work in home environments are regulated under chapter 388-71 WAC, while workers in assisted living facilities, enhanced services facilities, and adult family homes are regulated under chapter 388-112A WAC. As the result of many years of amendments and additions to rules that were not done in concert between the two chapters, the language between chapters 388-71 and 388-112A WAC have diverged resulting in differences. These differences cause unnecessary confusion. The modifications contained in this proposal will not change policy or practice, but will reconcile the differences, update language, and create more current and uniform policies for long-term care workers.

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 Angel Sulivan, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, phone 360-725-2495, fax 360-438-8633, TTY 1-800-833-6388, email angel.sulivan@dshs.wa.gov.