WSR 05-01-196

PERMANENT RULES

DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL


[ Filed December 21, 2004, 3:19 p.m. , effective July 1, 2005 ]


     

     Purpose: This chapter of rules provide state employers guidance regarding the use of reasonable accommodation in employment and separation.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 41.06 RCW.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 04-13-187 on June 23, 2004.

     Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: WAC 357-26-005, as a result of discussions with stakeholders it was determined that the following new language be added to this WAC, "due to disability."

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 5, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 5, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: July 29, 2004.

E. C. Matt

Director

Chapter 357-26 WAC

Reasonable Accommodation


NEW SECTION
WAC 357-26-005   What is the purpose of this chapter?   The purpose of chapter 357-26 WAC is to provide guidance to employers regarding reasonable accommodation as it specifically relates to employment and separation due to disability within the provisions of the civil service rules.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 357-26-010   When must an employer provide reasonable accommodation?   An employer must reasonably accommodate a known disability of a qualified candidate or employee as required by chapter 49.60 RCW and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 357-26-015   What actions may an employer take to provide reasonable accommodation?   For persons with disabilities, as defined by state or federal law, reasonable accommodation may include, but is not limited to:

     (1) Accommodation in application procedures, testing, and the interview process; or

     (2) Modifications or adjustments to a job, work method, or work environment that make it possible for a qualified person with a disability to perform the essential functions of a position, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment equal to employees without disabilities.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 357-26-020   What is the requirement for employers to have a policy and procedure covering reasonable accommodation?   (1) In accordance with the policy statement requirements of WAC 357-25-025, employers must develop and maintain a policy statement on reasonable accommodation.

     (2) In accordance with state and federal laws, employers must develop and make readily available a procedure regarding reasonable accommodation of employees with disabilities.

     (a) Each employee who requests reasonable accommodation must be provided access to the employer's reasonable accommodation procedure in an accessible format.

     (b) Employees who request reasonable accommodation must be notified in writing that in the event he or she cannot be accommodated in his or her current position, and placement in an alternative vacant position is not possible, the appointing authority may initiate a disability separation in accordance with WAC 357-46-160.

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NEW SECTION
WAC 357-26-025   May an employee who is unable to perform the essential functions of a position request to be separated from employment?   An employee who is unable to perform the essential functions of the employee's position due to mental, sensory, or physical incapacity may notify the employer that he or she does not wish to pursue accommodation and would like to be separated from employment. In this case, the appointing authority is not required to consider a reasonable accommodation and may initiate a disability separation in accordance with WAC 357-46-160.

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