PROPOSED RULES
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 99-17-054.
Title of Rule: Chapter 388-15 WAC, Child protective services.
Purpose: To rewrite current rules in a clear writing format, to comply with Executive Order 97-02 and to repeal outdated rules.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.13.031.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 26.44 and 74.13 RCW.
Summary: Rewrite rules in clear format, to update requirements, to include client right of review, and repeal outdated rules.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The rules are updated to reflect current federal and state law and regulation and to comply with Executive Order 97-02.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Stephanie J. Sarber, P.O. Box 45710, Olympia, WA 98504-5710, (360) 902-7563.
Name of Proponent: Department of Social and Health Services, governmental.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The rules recodify existing rules in new sections, restate the rules in clear writing format and update existing rules to reflect current state and federal law and refulation. The adopted rules will provide clear, concise answers to persons seeking information regarding child protective services.
Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: New rules outline the child protective services (CPS) notification process for alleged perpetrators of child abuse or neglect investigative findings. New rules will also outline the procedures, review process, and administrative hearings process regarding the appeal of substantiated CPS investigative findings of child abuse or neglect.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Children's Administration has analyzed the proposed WAC changes and concludes that no new costs will be imposed on the small businesses impacted by these WACs. Preparation of a small business economic impact statement is not required.
RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. The proposal clarifies language of existing rules without changing effect. See RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(iv).
Hearing Location: Office Building 2 (OB-2), 14th and Jefferson, Olympia, Washington 98504, on March 12, 2002, at 10:00 a.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Andy Fernando, DSHS Rules Coordinator, by March 8, 2002, phone (360) 664-6094, TTY (360) 664-6178, e-mail fernaax@dshs.wa.gov.
Submit Written Comments to: Identify WAC Numbers, DSHS Rules Coordinator, Rules and Policies Assistance Unit, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504-5850, fax (360) 664-6185, e-mail fernaax@dshs.wa.gov, by 5:00 p.m., March 12, 2002.
Date of Intended Adoption: Not earlier than March 13, 2002.
January 17, 2002
Bonnie H. Jacques
for Brian H. Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit
Reviser's note: The material contained in this filing exceeded the page-count limitations of WAC 1-21-040 for appearance in this issue of the Register. It will appear in the 02-04 issue of the Register.