Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is planning to adopt WAC 388-434-0015 Waiving mid-certification reviews during the COVID-19 pandemic, and other related rules as may be required.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To implement flexibilities related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) review requirements available via federal Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) waiver approval, as allowed under Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) and extended through the Continuing Appropriations Act (H.R. 8337).

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Agriculture, FNS enforces SNAP provisions of the 2008 Food and Nutrition Act, codified in C.F.R. The department amends rules to align with the act, federal regulations, and FNS administrative notices and formal guidance. The department of social and health services (DSHS) incorporates regulations from federal agencies, exercises state options, and implements approved waivers of federal regulatory requirements by adopting administrative rules for food assistance programs administered under the Washington basic food program.

Process for Developing New Rule: 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 Joyce Hensen, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-4570, phone 425-999-5162, email joyce.hensen@dshs.wa.gov.