Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering amending the licensing rules for home health agencies, hospice agencies, home care agencies and establishing rules for hospice care centers.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 70.127 RCW including changes from chapter 175, Laws of 2000 (HB 2510).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The rules need to be amended due to significant changes to the statute (chapter 70.127 RCW). The amendments will consolidate three chapters of WAC and licensing categories into one chapter, eliminating duplication and improving clarity.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: DSHS does not regulate home health, hospice or home care agencies but they do have clients who receive reimbursement dollars when using services from these agencies. DSHS will participate as part of the round table discussions in developing rule language.

Process for Developing New Rule: The department will facilitate community and association round table meetings to assist in rule development. Draft language will be made available to a larger audience for input. All comments will be taken into consideration for final rule development.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Sandy Ryan, Department of Health, 9594 1st Avenue N.E., PMB 220, Seattle, WA 98155-2028, phone (206) 729-3341, e-mail Sandy.Ryan@doh.wa.gov.

July 18, 2000

Nancy Ellison, Deputy

for Mary Selecky

Secretary

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