Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapters 13.34 and 74.13 RCW; RCW 74.15.030(2), 74.15.311(2), 74.13.032, 13.04.011, 74.13.020, 13.34.030, 74.13.031, 13.34.145, 74.15.311, 74.15.030.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department of children, youth, and families needs to amend this rule in order to take enforcement action in the event a licensee doesn't follow this it [rule]; as this rule change could potentially save lives. Due to the rising number of cases of opioid overdoses in our state, including affected foster care children and youth, life-saving medication such as naloxone (Narcan) must be available as an effective way to swiftly reverse the effects of an overdose in group care facilities. In addition, requiring all other life-saving medication (e.g., rescue inhalers, EpiPens, insulin) to be accessible during emergencies will only increase the likelihood of saving lives in group care facilities during medical emergencies.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Ann Radcliffe, phone 253-341-2325, email ann.radcliffe@dcyf.wa.gov, website https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/practice/policy-laws-rules/rule-making/participate.