PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Medical Assistance Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amending WAC 388-533-1000 First Steps childcare program.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.800.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To incorporate into rule the changes that simplify the process for First Steps childcare providers' submission of appropriate forms and claims for payment for providing First Steps childcare to clients' children. To remove children's health as one of the programs clients must be currently eligible under to receive First Steps childcare for their children. As of October 10, 2002, the children's health program is no longer available. Also, to ensure consistency with other DSHS administrations' background check policies with the background check central unit (BCCU) and Washington State Patrol. The rule change will ensure conformity with the list of criminal activities that disqualify a person from providing First Steps childcare under all Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) applicable programs.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Both the Department of Health (DOH) and DSHS administer the First Steps program. The First Steps childcare program is located solely in DSHS's Medical Assistance Administration (MAA). On a regular basis, MAA is in contact with the team that manages the First Steps program.
Process for Developing New Rule: The department invites the interested public to review and provide input on the draft language of this proposed WAC amendment. Draft material and information about how to participate are available by contacting the DSHS representative identified below.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kathy Sayre, Rules Program Manager, Medical Assistance Administration, Mailstop 45533, Olympia, WA 98504-5533, phone (360) 725-1342, fax (360) 586-9727, e-mail sayrek@dshs.wa.gov, TDD/TTY 1-800-848-5429.
November 1, 2002
Brian H. Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit