PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administrative)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department plans to amend the rules in chapters 388-434 and 388-452 WAC to update program language and clarify program requirements for the eligibility review process for cash and medical benefits, recertification process for basic food, and interview requirements for department programs. The department plans to amend the following as well as any related rules: WAC 388-434-0005 The department reviews each client's eligibility for benefits on a regular basis, 388-434-0010 How do I get food assistance benefits after my certification period has ended? and 388-452-0005 Do I have to be interviewed in order to get benefits?
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 plans to adopt rules to clarify department policy and implement federal requirements for the eligibility review and recertification process to determine a client's ongoing eligibility. We will also adopt rules to reflect an approved waiver of food stamp regulations regarding interview requirements. This waiver allows the department to use a telephone interview instead of an in-office interview at recertification for basic food.
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 [5470], phone (360) 413-3232, fax (360) 413-3493, e-mail CAMPJX@DSHS.WA.GOV.
November 13, 2003
Brian H. Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit