Subject of Possible Rule Making: During the 2017 legislative session, HB 1548 was codified as RCW 74.39A.080, resulting in the department considering adding chapter 388-112B WAC relating to curricula for persons in long-term care facilities with behavioral health needs. The department may amend other related rules as required.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The legislature directed department of social and health services (DSHS) to adopt rules to establish minimum competencies and standards for the approval of curricula for facility-based caregivers serving persons with behavioral health needs and geriatric behavioral health workers. The curricula must include at least 30 hours of training specific to the diagnosis, care, and crisis management of residents with a mental health disorder, traumatic brain injury, or dementia. The curricula must be outcome-based, and the effectiveness measured by demonstrated competency in the core specialty areas through the use of a competency test.

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 Angel Sulivan, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, phone 360-464-0550, fax 360-483-8633, TTY 1-800-833-6388, email angel.sulivan@dshs.wa.gov.