Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering amending and repealing existing sections and adding new sections in chapter 388-113 WAC, Disqualifying crimes and negative actions, including WAC 388-113-0005, 388-113-0010, 388-113-0030, 388-113-0040, and other related rules as may be required.

The department is also considering amending and repealing existing sections and adding new sections in chapter 388-71 WAC, Home and community services and programs, including WAC 388-71-0500, 388-71-0505, 388-71-0510, 388-71-0512, 388-71-0513, 388-71-0514, 388-71-0515, 388-71-0516, 388-71-0517, 388-71-0523, 388-71-0540, 388-71-0543, 388-71-0544, 388-71-0546, 388-71-0551, 388-71-0553, 388-71-0556, 388-71-0560, 388-71-0839, 388-71-0880, 388-71-0888, 388-71-0975, 388-71-1001, and other related rules as may be required.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The purpose for making changes is to clarify and consolidate rules related to background checks, disqualifying convictions and negative actions, and character, competence, and suitability determinations for home and community services, residential care services, and the developmental disabilities administration. The changes will provide better clarity and understanding for the public and contracted entities, reduce the amount of WAC language across programs, and help preserve the health and safety of our clients. Other provisions related to long-term care worker qualifications will also be clarified and consolidated.

Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS welcomes the public to take part in developing the rules. Anyone interested should contact the staff person identified below. At a later date, DSHS will file a proposal with the office of the code reviser with a notice of proposed rule making. A copy of the proposal will be sent to everyone on the mailing list and to anyone who requests a copy.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Angel Sulivan, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, phone 360-725-2495, fax 360-438-8633, TTY 1-800-833-6388, email angel.sulivan@dshs.wa.gov.