WSR 26-15-067 (26-15)

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department of social and health services (DSHS) is proposing to amend WAC 388-03-030, 388-03-112, 388-03-114, 388-03-115, 388-03-116, 388-03-117, 388-03-120, 388-03-122, 388-03-125, 388-03-130, 388-03-133, 388-03-135, 388-03-136, 388-03-138, 388-03-144, 388-03-153, 388-03-154, 388-03-160, 388-03-162, 388-03-164, 388-03-172, 388-03-173, and 388-03-176, from chapter 388-03 WAC, Certification of DSHS spoken language interpreters, translators, employees, and licensed agency personnel (LAPL); and other related rules as may be required.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 49.60.030, 74.04.025, 74.08.090, Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Reyes vs. Thompson Consent Order.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The revision of the WAC sections listed above contained in chapter 388-03 WAC aim to update and clarify DSHS' rules that govern certification, authorization, testing, and professional conduct for spoken-language interpreters, translators, employees, and LAPL. The revisions will seek to improve clarity, increase administrative efficiencies, ensure service quality, and improve customer experience. DSHS is also initiating the rule making for WAC 388-03-160 in response to an accepted petition.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS is engaging in rule revision and welcomes feedback from the public. DSHS will follow the notice and proposal processes established by the office of the code reviser. DSHS will distribute the proposal through email lists including, but not limited to, DSHS language, testing, and certification (LTC) advisory council; DSHS credentialed, authorized, and recognized interpreters and translators; and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. Those who are interested are encouraged to contact the team member listed below.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mariana Brazon, LTC Coordinator, P.O. Box 45014, Olympia, WA 98501, phone 360-338-5987, TTY 711 relay service, email oeabltc@dshs.wa.gov.