Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 71A.12.030, 71A.16.020.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Existing rules limit flexibility and administrative efficiency. These modifications will facilitate consolidation of the division's Title XIX waivers and increase the flexible use of staff in the administration of the division's Title XIX waiver program.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Title XIX waiver programs are regulated by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). The division's CAP waiver renewal request (which must be approved by the HCFA) will reflect these changes.

Process for Developing New Rule: The Department of Social and Health Services welcomes the public to take part in these rule changes. Anyone interested in participating should contact the staff person indicated below. After the rule changes are drafted, the Department of Social and Health Services will file a copy with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making, and send a copy to everyone currently on the mailing list and anyone else 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 sending comments to Dave Langenes, Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, P.O. Box 45310, Olympia, WA 98504-5310, phone (360) 902-8476, e-mail Langedj@DSHS.WA.GOV.

April 21, 1998

Edith M. Rice, Chief

Office of Legal Affairs