WSR 97-11-078

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

[Filed May 21, 1997, 11:13 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: To change the eligibility review cycle from six months to twelve months.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050; federal and state welfare reform changes.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This will reduce workload in community services offices by increasing the minimally acceptable time frame for reviewing client eligibility from six months to twelve months.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: Internal (management) and external (field staff) review process whereby draft material is distributed for review and comment. All comments are taken into consideration before the final rule is issued. The agency involves all interested persons in drafting the rule. Those who wish to participate in the drafting process may contact the Department of Social and Health Services at the address listed below.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Virginia H. Paynter, WorkFirst Division, P.O. Box 45480, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 413-3098, FAX (360) 413-3495, e-mail dshsmail:internet:("payntvh@dshs.wa.gov").

May 21, 1997

Merry A. Kogut, Manager