AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
September 5, 2003
ADSA: BH #2003-017
REVISED CHAPTER 388-78A WAC – BOARDING HOME LICENSING RULES
Dear Boarding Home Provider:
After a lengthy process of stakeholder involvement and input, a total revision of chapter 388-78A Washington Administrative Code (WAC) - Boarding Home Licensing Rules, has been completed. The revised chapter was filed with the Office of the Code Reviser under Washington State Register #03-16-047 and adopted on July 31, 2003. It will not go into effect until September 1, 2004, in order to allow time for training and orderly implementation.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who gave your time and expertise in advising the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) on the revised WAC chapter. This work began in 2000, with eight work groups holding 58 meetings over a period of two years to provide input into the new rules. Additional meetings were held with residents around the state to generate input from their perspective. The Boarding Home Advisory Board was regularly apprised of the work that was taking place.
Enclosed for your information are copies of the following:
- “CR 103” form, with attachments:
- Attachment “A”-List of sections of WAC that are being repealed
- Attachment “B”- Summary of the changes between the proposed rule and the final rule
- “Concise Explanatory Statement” (the department’s response to comments regarding the proposed rule)
- The final rule Chapter 388-78A WAC
The text of the revised chapter will also be published in the Washington State Register on September 17, 2003. Additionally, you may at this time, view the text of the revised rule, the “CR 103” form (with attachments) and the Concise Explanatory Statement on the internet at http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Professional/bhrule.
Many residents and their families also took time to comment on the proposed rules, and they definitely have a stake in the final rules and their implementation. All input was carefully considered and in many cases, was incorporated into the final rule. Please share the enclosed information with your resident and family councils, and the residents living in your home.
The department has developed a two-part education program for the new WAC chapter. Phase I has begun and will continue through November 2003. Small group meetings have been arranged by provider associations and are being held with providers and residents and their families to discuss the new rules and gather ideas for a revised inspection process.
Prior to the implementation date, the department will also present several trainings on the major provisions of the revised Chapter 388-78A WAC. Phase II training will begin in October with trainings held at various locations throughout the state. You will be notified in separate correspondence as Phase II trainings are scheduled. You can also view training dates and locations online at http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Professional/bhrule.
I encourage you to participate in the October trainings to the fullest extent possible. Please take the time to peruse the final rule before you attend so that the training will enhance your knowledge.
In addition, the department will also work on revisions to 388-78A-110 (the Medicaid contract regulations) to ensure consistency with program regulations, will develop the disclosure form required by the rules, and will revise the inspection process to reflect the emphasis of the rules on primary facility systems and resident outcome.
I believe all of these efforts will be enhanced by the participation of many parties and will result in a better service to the residents.
Please call Denny McKee, Program Manager, at (360) 725-2590 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Patricia K. Lashway, Director
Residential Care Services
Enclosures:
CR 103
Attachment A
Attachment B
Concise Explanatory Statement
Final Rule – WAC 388-78A (Effective September 1, 2004)
