WSR 98-01-188

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

(Medical Assistance Administration)

[Filed December 23, 1997, 3:56 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 388-555 WAC, Interpreter services.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.025, 74.04.050, 45 CFR Sec. 80.1 and 80.03, 45 CFR Sec. 605.52; 28 CFR, part 35.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This chapter will establish minimum industry standards for interpreter services for the Medical Assistance Administration. The purpose is to insure that clients with limited proficiency in English or who are deaf, blind, or hard of hearing can communicate effectively when accessing Medicaid services. The proposed rules will also reduce risks to the medical and health care community.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) also regulates this subject. The Department of Social and Health Services rules will not duplicate or conflict with federal law or regulations.

Process for Developing New Rule: The Department of Social and Health Services is currently monitoring issues related to new contracts for interpreter services to evaluate the feasibility of complying with and administering the minimum industry standards which are currently adopted as emergency rules. In addition, the department is holding ongoing meetings to gather stakeholder input. The Department of Social and Health Services invites the interested public to review and provide input on the draft language of this WAC. Draft material and information about how to participate are available by contacting the Department of Social and Health Services representative identified below.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Barbara Davis, Program Assistance and Support Services, Medical Assistance Administration, Olympia, Washington 98504-5530, phone (360) 586-2337, FAX (360) 753-7315, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail davisba@dshs.wa.gov.

December 23, 1997

Edith M. Rice, Chief

for Merry A. Kogut, Manager,