WSR 98-06-089

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

(Aging and Adult Services Administration)

[Filed March 4, 1998, 11:09 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 388-97 WAC, Nursing homes.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.42.620 and 18.51.070.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Governor Gary Locke's Executive Order 97-02 requires review of all state regulations that have significant impact to ensure that they meet standards of need, reasonableness, effectiveness, clarity, fairness, stakeholder involvement, coordination among regulatory agencies and consistency with legislative intent and statutory authority. In accordance with the governor's order, Aging and Adult Services Administration is currently reviewing chapter 388-97 WAC, Nursing homes.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Department of Health and Human Services, Washington State Department of Health, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Process for Developing New Rule: In an effort to have as broad participation as possible in the review process, mailings will go to nursing home providers and other interested parties on the mailing list, and public input will be gathered from interested parties who attend meetings or submit written comments. Input from nursing home residents and families, nursing home providers, resident advocacy groups, other state agencies, and the public will assist Aging and Adult Services Administration in identifying areas that need WAC amendment to provide greater clarity or address concerns.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Fay Helmon, Residential Care Services, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, phone (360) 438-8978, FAX (360) 438-7903, Internet address fhelmon@dshs.wa.gov, TTY 1-800-737-7931 or (360) 407-0212.

March 3, 1998

Edith M. Rice, Chief