PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department's Division of Employment and Assistance Programs plans to amend the rules in chapters 388-406 and 388-416 WAC to update program language and clarify program requirements for the application process, expedited service, and certification periods for the Washington basic food program. The department plans to amend the following as well as any related rules: WAC 388-406-0005 Who may apply?, 388-406-0010 Filing an application, 388-406-0015 Can I get food assistance right away?, 388-406-0021 How the department decides if you are a migrant or seasonal farmworker and if you are destitute, 388-406-0035 How long does the department have to process my application?, 388-406-0040 What happens if the processing of my application is delayed?, 388-406-0055 When do my benefits start?, 388-406-0060 What happens when my application is denied?, 388-406-0065 Can I still get benefits even after my application is denied?, and 388-416-0005 How long can I get food assistance?
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, 74.08.090.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department must adopt rules to be consistent with federal regulations for food stamps. This revision is intended to update the language of department rules to clarify requirements for clients and department staff to assist in consistent statewide application of policy for the Washington basic food program.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) publishes federal regulations for the food stamp program in the Federal Register. Rules published in the Federal Register are incorporated into the United States Code of Federal Regulations. FNS also issues administrative notices to inform states of new program requirements that are not yet in the United States Code of Federal Regulations. DSHS incorporates these regulations and exercises state options by adopting administrative rules for food assistance benefits in Washington state.
Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS welcomes the public to take part in developing the rules. Anyone interested should contact the staff person identified below. At a later date, DSHS will file proposed rules with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making. A copy of the proposal will be sent to everyone on the mailing list and to anyone 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 John Camp, Program Manager, Division of Employment and Assistance Programs, Lacey Government Center, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-4570, phone (360) 413-3232, fax (360) 413-3493, e-mail CAMPJX@DSHS.WA.GOV.
July 7, 2003
Brian H. Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit