PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Aging and Adult Services Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Repeal of WAC 388-15-120 Adult protective services, and adoption of WAC 388-71-100 - 388-71-199 Adult protective services.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 74.34 RCW as amended by SHB 1620, Section 18, chapter 176, Laws of 1999.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: (1) Regulatory reform, (2) chapter 74.34 RCW was changed as a result of the passage of HB 1620 and HB 1880 during the 1999 legislative session. Chapter 74.34 RCW was reorganized, rewritten, and consolidated with portions of chapter 26.44 RCW which specifically related to vulnerable adults and chapter 70.124 RCW which specifically related to residents in nursing homes. The changes are reflected in new definitions for a vulnerable adult, abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, reporting requirements for mandated reporters, department investigative responsibilities, and provision of protective services. This rule will assist professionals required to report mistreatment of vulnerable adults, other individuals wanting to report mistreatment of vulnerable adults, and department staff in responding to reports and providing protective services for vulnerable adults.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state agency regulates this subject.
Process for Developing New Rule: Aging and Adult Services Administration welcomes and encourages comments from the public during the rule development process. An informal meeting will be held to allow for feedback and comments from other agencies and interested stakeholders. After the rule is drafted, a copy will be filed with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making, and a copy will be sent 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 contacting Melanie Johnson, APS Program Manager, Aging and Adult Services Administration, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, (360) 407-0354, fax (360) 438-8633, e-mail Johnsmc2@DSHS.wa.gov.
September 16, 1999
Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit