PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
(Division of Employment and Assistance Programs)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amending rules in chapter 388-406 WAC to incorporate alternative methods of filing an application, electronic signatures, and to rewrite rules for clarity. The changes in chapter 388-406 WAC may include amending WAC 388-452-0005, 388-472-0005, 388-490-0005 and any related WACs. These changes may also require the addition of new rules or the repeal of some rules.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 74.04.510, 74.08.090, and 74.09.530.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has incorporated into the federal regulations (CFR) alternative methods of filing an application, such as by fax or other electronic transmission and that states can accept online electronic applications. FNS also incorporated into CFR that applications may be accepted with digital or electronic signatures. We need to incorporate these changes into our WAC.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) publishes federal regulations for the food stamp program in the Federal Register, Code of Federal Regulations, and through administrative notices. DSHS incorporate these regulations by adopting administrative rules for food assistance benefits in Washington state.
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. After the rules are drafted, DSHS will file a copy with the Office of the Code Reviser with a notice of proposed rule making. A copy of the draft 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 Vicky T. Robinson, Program Manager, Division of Employment and Assistance Programs, Lacey Government Center, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-4570, phone (360) 413-3031, fax (360) 413-3493, e-mail ROBINVT@DSHS.WA.GOV.
January 17, 2002
Bonnie H. Jacques
for Brian H. Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit