PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-30 WAC, the AWARDS program.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.70.020(5), 43.70.040, 43.70.060, 43.70.070, 43.70.130.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In June 2001, the AWARDS program was declared invalid by a Thurston County judge. The program was subject to litigation and the department will repeal this chapter under the conditions of the settlement agreement.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department will work with the Health Care Authority, which is the agency that is responsible for the implementation of the AWARDS program, during the repeal process.
Process for Developing New Rule: The department will share information with interested parties through mailings.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Michelle Davis, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Washington State Department of Health, P.O. Box 47879, Olympia, WA 98504-7879, fax (360) 586-2171.
September 19, 2001
M. C. Selecky
Secretary