WSR 22-21-057

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

(Behavioral Health Administration)

[Filed October 12, 2022, 10:37 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is planning to amend chapter 388-878 WAC to develop rules for a leave of absence, amend the procedures for program removal and program end, and update definitions. The department may add new rules or amend other related rules as may be required.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 10.77.086 and 10.77.088.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In the 2022 legislative session, the legislature passed 2SSB 5664, concerning forensic competency restoration programs. This legislation made changes to the outpatient competency restoration program procedures and requirements. These rules are necessary to implement the legislation.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The health care authority will be a partner in the development of these rules.

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 Emma Palumbo, P.O. Box 45050, Olympia, WA 98504-5050, phone 360-972-6214, email emma.palumbo@dshs.wa.gov.

October 12, 2022

Katherine I. Vasquez

Rules Coordinator