AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

2009 BH "Dear Administrator" Letters

January 6, 2009

ADSA:  BH #2009-001
FORMAL PHASE OF AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 388-78A WAC

Dear Boarding Home Administrator:

In October 2008, Residential Care Services (RCS) informed you of possible changes to the Boarding Home (BH) licensing rules.  The department recently filed the enclosed Proposed Rule-Making CR-102 (WSR 09-01-176) for these amendments to Chapter 388-78A:

The current boarding home rules require that providers give residents and the department a minimum of 90 days notice prior to a change in licensee.  The department is proposing that if no residents are expected to be discharged or transferred as a result of a change in licensee/change of ownership (CHOW), the home must give a minimum of 60 days notice.

In addition, the department has clarified sections of the rules regarding a change of licensee by breaking it into several small paragraphs—each concerning a specific topic.

We are now in a more formal phase of the rule-making process, so any comments that you have must be shared either in person at the public hearing or in writing to the department’s Rules and Policies Assistance Unit (RPAU).

The formal hearing for the proposed rules is scheduled:

Date: January 27, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Blake Office Park East, Rose Room
4500 10th Avenue SE, Lacey, WA 98503

Enclosed with this letter are directions to Blake East Office Park; signs will be posted at the door.  Please check in with reception to obtain a visitor pass and parking permit.

Written comments must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on January 27, 2009 to the following address or by email to:  schilse@dshs.wa.gov. 

DSHA Rules Coordinator /RPAU
P.O. Box 45850
Olympia, WA 98504-5850

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Todd Erik Henry, Boarding Home Program Manager, at (360) 725-2580.

Sincerely,

Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services

Enclosures