Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (DSHS) is creating rules in a new chapter in Title 388 WAC for the long-term services and supports trust program (WA Cares). This rule making will address general provisions, approved services, and other related rules as appropriate.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: DSHS is tasked with developing and adopting rules for implementing the responsibilities outlined in RCW 50B.04.020(3) for the WA Cares program. This section of rule will address general provisions, approved services, and other related rules as appropriate. This section will address governance, purpose, and definitions, as well as address covered services, service requirements, and minimum qualifications for service types, and other topics identified as being necessary for general provisions and approved services.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The employment security department and the health care authority. Coordination will occur between departments agencies for consistent implementation of the WA Cares program under chapter 50B.04 RCW.

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 Arielle Finney, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, phone 360-764-0384, fax 360-725-3265, telecommunication[s] relay service 1-800-833-6384, email Arielle.Finney2@dshs.wa.gov.