WSR 98-01-157

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Board of Nursing Home Administrators)

[Filed December 22, 1997, 3:54 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-843-010 General Definitions.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.52.061.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Definitions should be clarified to allow ease of understanding by applicants, licensees and Department of Social and Health Services residential care services staff.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Department of Social and Health Services residential care services is responsible to assure licensed nursing homes comply with federal and state statutes and rules. The Department of Social and Health Services has previously provided public input and those comments will be considered.

Process for Developing New Rule: Development of rules will include public meetings with constituency groups, citizens who are likely users of nursing home facilities, and other state agencies. Mailings will go to interested persons on the mailing list, licensed nursing home administrators and candidates for nursing home administrator license. Development of rules will include public input gathered from interested parties who attend meetings or submit written comments.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Barbara A. Hayes, Program Manager, Board of Nursing Home Administrators, P.O. Box 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869, phone (360) 664-3245, FAX (360) 664-0412. Public meeting on February 18, 1998, 9 a.m.-noon, Wesley Gardens Board Room, First Floor, 815 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA.

December 10, 1997

Barbara A. Hayes