Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 71A.12.030.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The Division of [Developmental] Disabilities is required to establish necessary rules and policy to implement the following: Informing all eligible DDD persons of the full spectrum of services including residential habilitation centers; calculating the number and location of RHC vacancies available for admission; determination of eligibility for existing RHC vacancies based on an assessment of needs that require the funded resources that are provided by the center; and process for denial of admission and fair hearing rights.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: The Department of Social and Health Services is adopting emergency rules as required by statute. The Department of Social and Health Services welcomes the public to take part in developing the rule(s). Anyone interested in participating should contact the staff person indicated below. After the rule(s) is drafted, the Department of Social and Health Services will file a copy with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making, and send a copy to everyone currently on the mailing list and anyone else 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 Sue Poltl, Division of Developmental Disabilities, P.O. Box 45310, Mailstop 45310, Olympia, WA 98504-5310, phone (360) 902-8474, e-mail POLTLSE@DSHS.WA.GOV.

April 3, 1998

Edith M. Rice, Chief

Office of Legal Affairs