PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Economic Services Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The Division of Employment and Assistance Programs will amend rules in chapter 388-492 WAC related to the Washington state combined application project (WASHCAP). The changes will reflect refinements in program policy, implement requirements to the program, add needed information, and rewrite the rules for clarity. These changes may require the addition of new rules.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.500, 74.04.510, and 74.08.090.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service allows the department to administer a simplified food assistance program for certain clients who receive supplemental security income (SSI). Washington started the WASHCAP program in December 2001. The rule changes will reflect refinements in program policy and improve ease of administration.
Process for Developing New Rule: The Department of Social and Health Services (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 Valerie Day, Program Manager, Division of Employment and Assistance Programs, Lacey Government Center, P.O. Box 45470, Olympia, WA 98504-5470, phone (360) 413-3357, fax (360) 413-3493, e-mail dayve@dshs.wa.gov.
March 28, 2002
Margaret J. Partlow
for Brian H. Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit