Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering amending WAC 388-101-3130 Certification evaluation, and other related rules as may be required to identify the period of time that portions of the rule were held in suspension during the declared emergency of COVID-19.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule making is necessary to establish a timeframe for certification evaluations, as Governor Inslee's Proclamation 20-18 and subsequent extensions have identified that the pandemic has resulted in disruptions to long-term care systems, including the ability to safely conduct inspections. The consideration of the amendment will include the amount of time to complete certification evaluations that are currently suspended for consistency and safety across all programs regulated by the department.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: The department will use a collaborative rule-making process and notify stakeholders of the opportunity to participate in development, review, and comment on the amended draft rule prior to proposing the amendment for adoption.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Antonietta Lettieri-Parkin, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 509-363-3549, fax 360-725-3224, email Antonietta.lettieri-parkin@dshs.wa.gov.