388-101D 388-101-3000

DDCS is planning to amend rules to update and clarify administrative and program requirements. During the course of this review, the department may make additional changes that are necessary to improve clarity or update policy.

WSR 25-22-014

Filed 10/24/2025

 

 

 

388-101D-0065

388-101D-0070

388-101D-0075

388-101D-0080

388-825

388-829C-070

388-829R-030

The department is proposing to add new sections, repeal existing sections, and amend sections referencing background checks, and other related rules as may be required.

WSR 25-22-074

Filed 10/31/2025

 

 

 

388-101D-0485

388-101D-0490

Amending "Community protection—Treatment plan" and "Community protection—Client records." The department is revising this rule due to changes in what services may be provided under a 1915c waiver.

WSR 26-03-100

Filed 1/21/2026

 

WSR 26-03-087

Filed 1/20/2026

 

388-112A-0118

What documentation is required for completion of each training?, related to documentation of facility orientation.

WSR 24-03-107

Filed 1/18/2024

 

 

 

New 388-05B

Electronic visit verification system requirements, and other related rules as may be required.

WSR 24-18-008

Filed 8/22/2024

 

 

 

388-115-0510

388-115-0523

388-115-0540

388-71

To align WAC with the requirements of [E]SHB 1142. Specifically, legislation driven changes include replacing the phrase "individual provider" with long-term care (LTC) worker. This aligns basic training and home care aide certification rules across in home care provider employers, including home care agencies, the consumer directed employer, and the long-term services and supports trust (WA Cares) potential "third option" for "qualified family members." Further changes are being made to add new sections to chapter 388-71 WAC to explain what LTC providers are required to complete the spouse/domestic partner basic training, as well as defining what that training includes.

WSR 25-14-066

Filed 6/27/2025

WSR 26-02-034

Filed 12/30/2025

 

 

 

Also, being modified is the WAC language regarding when a LTC provider may be rehired, that family providers working for home care agencies are required annual continuing education, and how long the LTC worker may be allowed to achieve the department of health (DOH) home care aide certification. Further changes are made for housekeeping purposes and to correct other language and typographical errors in these sections.

 

 

 

 

388-06-0530

388-71-0511

388-113-0005

388-113-0060

388-113-0070

388-115-0511

The department is proposing to add new sections, repeal existing sections, and amend sections referencing background checks in WAC, and other related rules as may be required.

WSR 25-22-022

Filed 10/27/2025

388-06-0530, 388-71-0511, 388-113-0005, 388-113-0060, 388-113-0070,

388-115-0511

 

 

388-112A-0010

388-112A-0020

388-112A-0080

388-112A-0105

388-112A-0490

388-112A-0495

388-112A-0720

388-112A-1100

In response to ESSB 5200 (chapter 108, Laws of 2025), the department is planning to make amendments per the legislation. The department is planning to create WAC 388-112A-0055 What are the training and certification requirements for volunteers and long-term care workers in veterans' medical foster homes?, and 388-112A-0613 Who in a veterans' medical foster home is required to complete continuing education training each year, how many hours of continuing education are required, and when must they be completed? Other related rules as may be required.

WSR 26-01-004

Filed 12/3/2025

388-112A-0010, 388-112A-0020, 388-112A-0080, 388-112A-0105, 388-112A-0490, 388-112A-0495, 388-112A-0720, 388-112A-1100

 

 

388-112A-1292

The department is planning to amend What are the minimum qualifications for community instructors to teach expanded specialty trainings?

 

CR-105

WSR 25-17-082

Filed 8/19/2025

 

 

388-106-1800

388-106-1805

388-106-1810

388-106-1815

388-106-1820

The department is considering amending rules related to the long-term services and supports (LTSS) presumptive eligibility (PE) and other related rules as may be necessary. Other necessary changes and corrections related to grammar, numerical representation, consistency, and inclusive language may also be included. For the purposes of this rule making, this means LTSS. Nursing facility level of care, PE, which includes functional and financial assessments using the screening tool within CARE. *By the CR-102 stage, 388-106-1820 was not going forward.

WSR 25-20-008

Filed 9/18/2025

WSR 26-03-085

Filed 1/20/2026

 

 

388-106-0010

The department is planning to amend What definitions apply to this chapter?, to align with DOH statute and recently updated RCW 69.41.010 "Medication assistance" and other related rules as may be required.

WSR 26-01-113

Filed 12/16/2025

 

 

 

388-96-809

Change of ownership—Final reports—Settlement securities, and other related rules as may be necessary.

WSR 24-20-126

Filed 10/1/2024

 

 

 

388-106H

The department is considering creation of a new WAC chapter, health related social needs (HRSN), and other related rules as required. These rules are related to HRSN services specified in Section 15.7 of the special terms and conditions of the Washington state section 1115 medicaid demonstration waiver. During the course of this rule making, other related rules may be amended as necessary. This may include additional changes required to improve clarity or update policy.

WSR 25-13-107

Filed 6/18/2025

 

WSR 25-21-070

Filed 10/14/2025

 

388-97

The department is proposing to add new sections, repeal existing sections, and amend sections in "nursing homes" related to tuberculosis (TB) screening.

WSR 19-18-051

Filed 8/30/2019

 

 

 

388-107

The department is planning to add new sections, repeal existing sections, and amend sections in "licensing requirements for enhanced services facilities" related to TB screening.

WSR 19-18-059

Filed 9/3/2019

 

 

 

388-76

The department is planning to add new sections, repeal existing sections, and amend sections in "adult family home minimum licensing requirements" related to TB screening.

WSR 19-18-061

Filed 9/3/2019

 

 

 

388-78A

The department is planning to add new sections, repeal existing sections, and amend sections in "assisted living facility licensing rules" related to TB screening.

WSR 19-18-062

Filed 9/3/2019

 

 

 

388-76

388-78A

388-97

388-107

The department is considering amending [rules] to implement specific sections to SHB 1218. The department may amend other related rules as necessary and is considering amending the rules to adopt requirements for providers to publicly post stop placement orders, adopt requirements for providers to create and maintain resident rosters, as well as responding to requests from ombuds for roster information, incorporate new definition of resident representative, and replace the phrase "his or her" with appropriate gender-neutral terms.

WSR 22-04-046

Filed 1/26/2022

WSR 25-24-032

Filed 11/25/2025

 

 

388-76

388-78A

388-97

388-107

The department is considering adding new, repealing, and amending existing sections in "Adult family home minimum licensing requirements," "assisted living facility licensing rules," "nursing homes," "licensing requirements for enhanced services facilities," and other related rules as may be required.

WSR 23-21-034

Filed 10/6/2023

 

 

 

388-76

388-76-10000

388-76-10164

388-76-10161

388-78A

388-78A-2020

388-78A-2465

388-78A-2462

388-97

388-97-0001

388-97-1800

388-107

388-107-0001

388-107-1210

The department is considering amending and adding new sections to the following chapters and associated sections: Adult family home minimum licensing requirements: Definitions, background checks—Results—Duty to inform, and Background checks—Who is required to have; Assisted living facility licensing rules: Definitions, Background check—Results—Inform, and Background checks—Who is required to have; Nursing homes: Definitions, Background check—Results—Inform, and Criminal history disclosure and background inquiries; Licensing requirements for enhanced services facilities: Definitions, Background checks—Who is required to have, and Background check—Results—Inform. This rule making may result in adopting new sections of rule. As needed, amendments will also make changes required to improve clarity, update policy, or better align rule language with state and federal law or regulations. Updates to other related rules may be required.

WSR 25-11-052

Filed 5/15/2025

 

 

 

388-78A

The department is considering amending sections in "assisted living facility licensing rules" related to E2SSB 5337, chapter 187, Laws of 2025, Assisted living facilities—Memory care services. This rule making may result in adopting new sections of rule. The department may amend other related rules as necessary.

WSR 25-12-025

Filed 5/27/2025

 

 

 

388-76

The department is considering amending the following sections in: Licensing—Certain state employees and employee household members—Prohibited, License—Must be denied, License—May be denied, Resident record—Required, Resident record—Content, Doors—Ability to open, Emergency evacuation drills—Frequency and participation, and Plan of correction (POC)—Required. This rule making may result in adopting new sections of rule and repealing existing sections of rule. Updates to other related rules may be required. As needed, amendments will also make changes required to improve clarity, update policy, or better align rule language with state and federal law or regulations.

WSR 25-14-041

Filed 6/25/2025

 

 

 

388-76-10440

388-76-10450

388-78A-2320

388-78A-2250

388-107-0320

388-97-3780

388-97-1300

388-76-10450

388-78A-2032

The department is seeking to correct references to repealed pharmacy codes in chapter 246-865 WAC, Pharmaceutical services—Extended care facility and chapter 246-888 WAC, Medication assistance. Adult family homes: "Medication—Assessment—Identification of amount of assistance needed when taking medications" and "Medication—Self-administration with assistance." Assisted living facilities: "Intermittent nursing services systems" and "Alteration of medications." Enhanced services facilities: "Medication services." Nursing homes: "Pharmacies in new construction" and "Pharmacy services." The department is considering amending Medication—Self-administration with assistance, assisted living facility license not required; and other related rules as may be required to implement SHB 1720 (chapter 26, Laws of 2025).

WSR 25-14-078

Filed 6/30/2025

 

 

 

388-97-1090

WAC 388-97-1090 Direct care hours. RCW 74.42.360 (2)(d)(vi): The department's authority to grant exceptions to the Washington state minimum direct care nursing 3.4 hours per resident day requirement expired on June 30, 2018. Rule making is being completed to repeal expired exception/waiver information.

 

CR-105

WSR 26-01-041

Filed 12/10/2025

 

 

388-97

The department is proposing amendments to: WAC 388-97-0120 Individual transfer and discharge rights and procedures, 388-97-0140 Transfer and discharge appeals for residents in medicare or medicaid certified facilities, 388-97-1915 Preadmission screening and resident review (PASRR) requirements prior to admission of new residents, and 388-97-1975 PASRR requirements after admission of a resident. Adding WAC 388-97-01201, 388-97-01401, 388-97-19151, and 388-97-19751 to identify requirements in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. This rule making combines WAC 388-97-16601 and remaining WAC sections from 388-97-13494.

WSR 25-14-066

Filed 6/27/2026

WSR 26-02-033

Filed 12/30/2025

 

 

388-107-0161

388-107-0281

388-76-10506

388-76-10617

388-78A-2651

388-78A-2661

This proposal corrects a typographical error in an email address and adds a physical address to the long-term care ombuds contact information in Written residency agreement—Residents with medicaid as a payor, Resident rights—Transfer and discharge notice—Residents with medicaid as a payor, Written residency agreement—Residents with medicaid as a payor, Resident rights—Transfer and discharge notice—Residents with medicaid as a payor, Written residency agreement—Residents with medicaid as a payor, and Transfer and discharge notice—Residents with medicaid as a payor.

 

CR-105

WSR 26-02-042

Filed 1/2/2026

 

 

388-76

388-78A

388-101

388-107

The department is considering amending the following rules, adding new sections, and amending other sections as needed: Adult family home minimum licensing requirements, Assisted living facility licensing rules, Certified community residential services and supports, and Licensing requirements for enhanced services facilities. This rule making may result in amending current rules, adopting new sections of rule, and repealing existing sections of rule. Updates to other related rules may be required. As needed, amendments will also make changes required to improve clarity, update policy, or better align rule language with state and federal law or regulations.

WSR 26-04-001

Filed 1/21/2026

 

 

 

New chapter in Title 388 WAC

The department is creating rules in a new chapter in Title 388 WAC for WA Cares. This rule making will address appeals of department decisions by beneficiaries, and other related rules as appropriate.

WSR 25-04-062

Filed 1/30/2025

 

 

 

New chapter in Title 388 WAC

The department is creating rules in a new chapter in Title 388 WAC for WA Cares. This rule making will address notifications to beneficiaries of department decisions, and other related rules as appropriate.

WSR 25-04-063

Filed 1/30/2025

 

 

 

New chapter in Title 388 WAC

The department is creating rules in a new chapter in Title 388 WAC for WA Cares. This rule making will address appeals of department decisions by providers, and other related rules as appropriate.

WSR 25-04-064

Filed 1/30/2025

 

 

 

New chapter in Title 388 WAC

The department is creating rules in a new chapter in Title 388 WAC for WA Cares. The rule making will address maximum rates for approved services provided by registered providers, and other related rules as appropriate.

WSR 25-04-065

Filed 1/30/2025

 

 

 

New chapter in Title 388 WAC

The department is creating rules in a new chapter in Title 388 WAC for WA Cares. The rule making will address reimbursements to beneficiaries for approved services permitted to be paid privately and reimbursed by the trust, and other related rules as appropriate.

WSR 25-04-066

Filed 1/30/2025

 

 

 

New chapter in Title 388 WAC

The department is creating rules in a new chapter in Title 388 WAC for WA Cares. This rule making will address notifications to providers of department decisions, and other related rules as appropriate.

WSR 25-04-068

Filed 1/31/2025

 

 

 

388-116-1010

388-116-3020

388-116-3030

388-116-3080

388-116-4030

388-116-5030

and any related rules as necessary

The department is considering amendments to address adaptive equipment and technology, minimum qualifications for providers, signatories for background check requirements, exception to rule requests, payment of fees related to administrative hearings, and definitions related to financial management services vendors and reimbursement. Other related rules may be amended as necessary.

WSR 26-01-145

Filed 12/18/2025

 

 

 

388-878

The department is planning to amend chapter 388-878 WAC to develop rules for a leave of absence, amend the procedures for program removal and program end, and update definitions. The department may add new rules or amend other related rules as may be required.

WSR 22-21-057

Filed 10/12/2022

WSR 25-11-089

Filed 5/21/2025

 

 

388-825-091

388-825-093

388-825-094

In the 2025 legislative session, the legislature passed SSB 5393, closing the Rainier school by June 30, 2027. This legislation directs that the department will not permit "any new long-term admissions" to Rainier school as of July 27, 2025, and no new admissions as of June 30, 2027, except those clients who have return rights as defined in the bill. These rules are necessary to set standard definitions and implement the legislation.

WSR 25-15-137

Filed 7/22/2025

 

WSR 25-23-042

Filed 11/13/2025

 

388-875-0070

The department is planning to amend WAC and develop rules related to the transfer or move of a patient between treatment facilities, while ensuring no move is detrimental to the patient. The department may add new rules or amend other related rules as may be required.

WSR 25-22-055

Filed 10/30/2025

 

 

 

388-400-0060

388-400-0070

388-449-0200

388-449-0210

388-474-0020

The department is planning to amend "Who is eligible for aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) cash assistance?," "Who is eligible for referral to the housing and essential needs (HEN) program?," "Am I eligible for cash assistance for aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) while waiting for supplemental security income (SSI)?," "What is interim assistance and how do I assign it to the department?," and "What can an aged, blind, or disabled (ABD) cash assistance client expect when supplemental security income (SSI) benefits begin?"; and other related rules as may be required.

WSR 25-01-079

Filed 12/13/2024

 

 

 

388-444-0030

388-444-0035

The department is adopting emergency amendments to "Are able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) subject to additional work requirements and time limits to be eligible for basic food?" and "Who is exempt from ABAWD time limits and minimum work requirements?" These amendments are necessary to implement changes in exceptions to ABAWD time limits as passed in H.R.1, P.L. 119-21, effective July 4, 2025.

WSR 25-21-002

Filed 10/1/2025

WSR 26-01-029

Filed 12/5/2025

WSR 26-03-098

Filed 1/21/2026

 

388-445-0001

The department is adopting "federal government shutdown." This rule will temporarily supersede rules related to the following programs if federal funding is not appropriated beyond October 31, 2025: Basic food, state-funded food assistance program (FAP), Washington combined application project (WASHCAP), transitional food assistance, and basic food employment and training (BFET).

 

 

WSR 25-21-103

Filed 10/17/2025

 

388-424-0020

The department is planning to amend "How does my alien status impact my eligibility for federally funded Basic Food benefits?," and other related rules as may be required.

WSR 25-23-018

Filed 11/7/2025

 

 

 

388-478-0015

The department is planning to amend "Need standards for cash assistance," and other rules as may be required.

WSR 26-01-213

Filed 12/24/2025

 

 

 

388-412-0005

The department is planning to amend "General information about your cash benefits," and other related rules as may be required.

WSR 26-02-040

Filed 12/31/2025

 

 

 

388-472-0040

The department plans to amend What are the department's responsibilities in giving NSA services to me?, and other related rules as may be required.

WSR 26-03-013

Filed 1/9/2026

 

 

 

388-400-0010

The department is planning to amend the following WAC sections and other related rules as may be required: "Who is eligible for state family assistance?" and 388-493-0010 "Working family support."

WSR 26-03-030

Filed 1/13/2026

 

 

 

388-400-0047

388-450-0015

The department is planning to amend the following WAC sections and other related rules as may be required: "What is the heat and eat program and are you eligible?" and "What types of income are not used by the department to figure out my benefits?"

WSR 26-03-033

Filed 1/14/2026

 

 

 

388-14A-6200

388-14A-6205

388-14A-6210

DCS proposes to amend WAC 388-14A-6200, 388-14A-6205, 388-14A-6210, and other sections as may be necessary to clarify the right to an administrative hearing to contest a collection action taken by DCS under RCW 74.20A.080 against a noncustodial parent's assets held in a financial institution. Amendments are needed to alleviate confusion and ambiguity about the administrative remedies available to noncustodial parents and nonobligated joint account owners of record under WAC 388-14A-6200.

WSR 26-04-080

Filed 1/29/2026

 

 

 

388-02-0217

The department is considering amending When do administrative law judges conduct the hearing and enter the hearing decision as an initial order or a final order?, and other related rules as may be required to clarify the general hearing rules of the board of appeals at the department. During this rule making, the department may make additional changes that are necessary to improve clarity.

WSR 24-14-118

Filed 7/2/2024

 

 

 

388-01-170

Amending WAC 388-01-170 May DSHS release information or public records outside of the Public Records Act?

 

CR-105

WSR 25-21-043

Filed 10/9/2025