WSR 99-03-105
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Aging and Adult Services Administration)
[Filed January 20, 1999, 11:24 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Allowing adult family home providers to offer secure environments for residents with dementia, including offering locked gates, when certain fire safety and program standards are met.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 70.128.040 and 70.128.007.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In order to support adult family homes to offer safe care to persons with dementia, Aging and Adult Services Administration is initiating a pilot project to allow some adult family homes to have a fence surrounding the home with a gate that is secured under certain circumstances. The secured area is intended to be used only when a variety of other program issues have been demonstrated to be addressed, including adequate staffing, activities, and an environment tailored to the residents. The secured area is intended to protect resident safety and promote privacy and independence, by allowing residents increased freedom of movement.
The homes cannot participate unless all residents give informed consent, and the department certifies that all pilot rules are being followed.
Process for Developing New Rule: Pilot rule making, state fire marshals representing the Washington State Fire Protection Bureau have provided extensive advice and technical assistance throughout the planning for this project. The department has also coordinated extensively with the long term care ombudsman program, and numerous disabilities advocacy and education groups, as well as with adult family home provider groups.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Carole Campbell, Aging and Adult Services Administration, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, (360) 493-2631, fax (360) 438-7903.
January 19, 1999
Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit