WSR 03-23-110

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)

[ Filed November 18, 2003, 4:05 p.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 03-20-024.

     Title of Rule: WAC 388-426-0005 Client complaints.

     Purpose: Correcting a typographical error in the reference listed in subsection (2)(d) from WAC 388-08-413 to chapter 388-02 WAC.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057.

     Summary: Correction of a typographical error in the reference listed in subsection (2)(d) from WAC 388-08-413 to chapter 388-02 WAC.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: Use of correct cross-references in WAC is necessary to accurately determine eligibility and benefit levels.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Patti Clark, 1009 College S.E., Lacey, WA 98504, (360) 413-3084.

     Name of Proponent: Department of Social and Health Services, governmental.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: Rule: WAC 388-426-0005 Client complaints.

     Purpose and Effect: See Purpose, Summary, and Reasons Supporting Proposal above.

     Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See Purpose, Summary, and Reasons Supporting Proposal above.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This proposed rule does not have an economic impact on small businesses, they only affect DSHS clients.

     RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. This amendment is exempt as allowed under RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b) which states in-part, "[t]his section does not apply to...(iv) [r]ules that only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes, or clarify language of a rule without changing its effect; ...(vii) [r]ules of the department of social and health services relating only to client medical or financial eligibility and rules concerning liability for care of dependents."

     Hearing Location: Blake Office Park (behind Goodyear Courtesy Tire), 4500 10th Avenue S.E., Rose Room, Lacey, WA 98503, on December 23, 2003, at 10:00 a.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Andy Fernando, DSHS Rules Coordinator, by December 19, 2003, phone (360) 664-6094, TTY (360) 664-6178, e-mail FernAX@dshs.wa.gov.

     Submit Written Comments to: Identify WAC Numbers, DSHS Rules Coordinator, Rules and Policies Assistance Unit, mail to P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504-5850, deliver to 4500 10th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA, fax (360) 664-6185, e-mail fernaax@dshs.wa.gov, by 5:00 p.m., December 23, 2003.

     Date of Intended Adoption: Not earlier than December 24, 2003.

November 14, 2003

Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

3341.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 99-17-025, filed 8/10/99, effective 10/1/99)

WAC 388-426-0005   Client complaints.   (1) Clients who believe they have been discriminated against by the department for reason of race, color, creed, political affiliation, national origin, religion, age, gender, disability, or birthplace have the right to file a complaint. Clients can file discrimination complaints with the:

     (a) DSHS, Division of Access and Equal Opportunity, PO Box 45012, Olympia, WA, 98504;

     (b) Administrator, Food and Nutrition Services, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA, 22302; or

     (c) Secretary of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington D.C., 20250.

     (2) Clients with a complaint about a department decision or action have the right to present their complaint, in writing, to a supervisor.

     (a) Within ten days of the receipt of the complaint:

     (i) A decision will be made on the client's complaint; and

     (ii) The client will be sent written notice of the decision, including information about the right to further review by the local office administrator.

     (b) Clients not satisfied with the decision of a supervisor have the right to present a written complaint to the local office administrator. Within ten days of the receipt of the complaint:

     (i) A decision will be made on the complaint, and

     (ii) The client will be sent written notice of the decision.

     (c) Written notice of the administrator's decision concludes the complaint procedure.

     (d) The filing of a written complaint does not prevent a client from requesting a fair hearing under ((WAC 388-08-413)) chapter 388-02 WAC.

     (e) Clients have the right to speak to a worker's supervisor or have a decision or action reviewed by the supervisor, whether or not a formal complaint has been filed.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.04.510. 99-17-025, § 388-426-0005, filed 8/10/99, effective 10/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057 and 74.08.090. 98-16-044, § 388-426-0005, filed 7/31/98, effective 9/1/98.]

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