PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department proposes amending all necessary sections in TITLE 388 WAC to expand simplified reporting to households as allowed under the 2008 farm bill.
These changes include amendments to the following WAC sections and any other related rules: WAC 388-418-0005 How will I know what changes I must report?, 388-418-0007 When do I have to report changes in my circumstances?, 388-418-0011 What is a mid-certification review, and do I have to complete one in order to keep receiving benefits?, and 388-416-0005 How long can I get Basic Food?
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, 74.08A.010.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is proposing to expand "simplified reporting" to elderly or disabled households that do not receive food benefits through the Washington combined application program (WASHCAP).
This option under the 2008 farm bill reduces the changes elderly or disabled households must report under the Washington Basic Food program. The department plans to make it easier for these households to stay connected with the program by providing these households less restrictive reporting requirements, a two-year certification for Basic Food with a midcertification review after twelve months.
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) enforces the provisions of the federal food stamp program as set forth under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, guidance provided by FNS, and the program requirements established in Title 7 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations.
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 a proposal 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 Don Winslow, Policy Analyst/Program Manager, Community Services Division, P.O. Box 45440, Olympia, WA 98504-5440, phone (360) 725-4580, fax (360) 725-4905, e-mail winsldg@dshs.wa.gov.
July 22, 2008
Katherine D. Vasquez, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit