PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Aging and Adult Services Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Nursing homes and the administration of the nursing home licensure program, including enforcement actions.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.51.070, 18.51.060(8), 74.42.620.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Review and update chapter 388-98 WAC under Executive Order 97-02. Chapters 388-98 and 388-97 WAC will be merged in order to bring all nursing home regulations into one chapter for easier reference.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). Washington state will work with Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), Region X to ensure enforcement processes are coordinated. In some instances, Washington state enforcement remedies are used in lieu of, or in addition to, federal penalties.
Process for Developing New Rule: Broad participation is sought in this rule review process from nursing home providers, resident advocacy groups, other state agencies and the public. Mailings will be sent to nursing home providers, consumer advocates, and other interested parties from the broad AASA database. The department invites all interested parties to provide input in this review process and on draft material. Information about how to participate is available by contacting the DSHS 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 Fay Helmon, Residential Care Services, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, phone (360) 725-2486 or 1-800-422-3263, e-mail helmomf@dshs.wa.gov, fax (360) 438-7903, TTY 1-800-737-7931, or (360) 725-2309.
November 28, 2000
Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit