WSR 97-11-043

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

(Aging and Adult Services Administration)

(Public Assistance)

[Filed May 16, 1997, 10:00 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department would like to adopt a rule to allow providers who contract with the department to provide assisted living services, enhanced adult residential care, and adult residential care, the option of having their caregiving staff take a challenge test in lieu of attending required caregiver training class. This revision would amend WAC 388-110-110 Caregiver education and training requirements.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 74.39A RCW, Long-term care services options--Expansion; specifically RCW 74.39A.010 and 74.39A.020.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Many of the providers Aging and Adult Services Administration (AASA) contract with have staff who are knowledgeable and/or experienced caregivers. AASA's required caregiver training classes may not be very beneficial for these caregivers. This rule would exempt caregivers who take and pass AASA's challenge test from having to complete the required class. This rule will assist providers to target training resources more effectively.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other federal or state agencies directly regulate the training requirements of caregivers who work in boarding homes that contract with AASA to provide assisted living services, enhanced adult residential care, and adult residential care. The Department of Health (DOH) licenses boarding homes, and AASA will confer with DOH on this rule.

Process for Developing New Rule: AASA encourages interested parties to comment. See contact person and address below.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. At the time the notice of proposed rule making is filed, interested parties will be notified of the scheduled hearing on the proposed rule and how to submit comments for consideration. If you wish to comment in the development process, please contact Stacy Winokur, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, phone (360) 407-0505 or 1-800-422-3263, FAX (360) 438-7903, e-mail swinokur@dshs.wa.gov.

May 15, 1997

Merry A. Kogut, Manager