PROPOSED RULES
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Children's Administration)
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 99-17-058.
Title of Rule: Repealing chapter 248-554 WAC, Shelters for victims of domestic violence; and new chapter 388-61A WAC, Shelters for victims of domestic violence.
Purpose: Chapter 248-554 WAC, Shelters for victims of domestic violence, is being repealed and replaced by chapter 388-61A WAC, Shelters for victims of domestic violence. The proposed rule is the result of DSHS/CA reviewing and updating rules according to Executive Order 97-02. The rules have been rewritten using a question and answer format. The rules establish the minimum standards for agencies that receive funding from DSHS to provide domestic violence shelter and services.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 70.123 RCW.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 70.123 RCW.
Summary: Chapter 248-554 WAC, Shelters for victims of domestic violence, is being repealed and replaced by chapter 388-61A WAC. The proposed rules establish clear requirements for agencies that contract with DSHS to provide domestic violence shelter and services.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Susan Hannibal, c/o P.O. Box 47986, Seattle, WA 98146, (206) 923-4910.
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: Updates rules in accordance with Executive Order 97-02. The purpose of the rule is to establish minimum standards for agencies that receive funding from DSHS to provide domestic violence shelter and services. The anticipated effect of the rule will be to increase the effectiveness of those agencies that must comply with the standards which should, in turn, enhance the provision of services to victims of domestic violence being served by the agencies.
Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: Chapter 248-554 WAC, Shelters for victims of domestic violence, is being repealed. The proposed rule:
| • | Clarifies ambiguities between the statutory authority and current rule. |
| • | Updates fire safety rules for domestic violence shelter and safe home facilities. |
| • | Adds language regarding safety measures for firearms and dangerous weapons. |
| • | Clarifies that shelter residents are not required to participate in supportive services as a condition of residing in the shelter. |
| • | Changes the experiential requirements for staff supervision. |
| • | Clarifies the continuing education requirements for shelter staff. |
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These rules do not have economic impact on small business.
RCW 34.05.328 applies to this rule adoption. Children's Administration has determined that these are significant rules. A copy of the CBA can be obtained by contacting Susan Hannibal, P.O. Box 47986, Seattle, WA 98146, (206) 923-4910.
Hearing Location: Lacey Government Center (behind Tokyo Bento Restaurant), 1009 College Street S.E., Room 104-B, Lacey, WA 98503, on October 10, 2000, at 10:00 a.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Kelly Cooper, DSHS Rules Coordinator, by October 3, 2000, phone (360) 664-6094, TTY (360) 664-6178, e-mail coopekd@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, by October 10, 2000.
Date of Intended Adoption: Not sooner than October 11, 2000.
August 22, 2000
Marie Myerchin-Redifer, 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 00-18 issue of the Register.