Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering adding new sections and repealing and amending existing sections in chapter 388-97 WAC, Nursing homes, including WAC 388-97-1790, 388-97-1800, 388-97-1820, 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 the change is to consolidate the rules related to background checks, negative actions, and character, competence, and suitability (CC&S) determinations between home and community services, residential services, and developmental disabilities administration (DDA). The consolidated chapter will provide better clarity and understanding for the public and contracted entities, reduce the amount of WAC language, and help preserve the health and safety of our clients.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The aging and long-term support administration and DDA will collaborate and coordinate with the department of social and health services (DSHS) background check central unit to consolidate and coordinate rules related to background checks, negative actions, and CC&S reviews under chapters 388-76, 388-78A, 388-97, 388-101D, 388-107, 388-825, 388-06, 388-71 WAC, and other chapters as may be necessary.

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 Claudia Baetge, P.O. Box 45600, phone 360-725-2589, fax 360-438-7903, email baetgcf@dshs.wa.gov.