Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services plans to amend language in WAC 388-892-0500 What is DVR's payment system for VR service contracts?, and other related rules as may be required.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The proposed rule making is necessary pursuant to a corrective action plan required by the Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) for the division of vocational rehabilitation (DVR) to come into compliance with 34 C.F.R. 361, which is a condition of receiving federal vocational rehabilitation funding. DVR must align WAC with current practices and provide clarity to stakeholders. Failure to implement this change immediately could result in disciplinary action by RSA and could include loss of federal funds. See RCW 34.05.350 (1)(b) (authorizing immediate adoption of a rule when necessary for the state to receive federal funding).

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: DVR coordinates with RSA through regular consultation on our performance in meeting our federal mandates.

Process for Developing New Rule: DVR invites the interested public to review and provide input on the draft language of this rule. Draft material and information about how to participate may be obtained from the department representative listed below.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Dana Phelps, P.O. Box 45340, Olympia, WA 98504-5340, phone 360-725-3636, fax 360-438-8007, TTY 711 relay service, website dshs.wa.gov/dvr.