WSR 26-19-128 — Department of Social and Health Services: SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES

WSR 26-19-128 — Department of Social and Health Services: SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WSR 26-19-128 (26-19) WSR 26-19-128 PROPOSED RULES DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (Home and Community Living Administration) [Filed September 22, 2026, 4:19 p.m.] Original Notice. Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 26-14-110. Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: The department of social and health services (DSHS) is proposing to amend WAC 388-116-3020 Minimum qualifications, and 388-116-4020 Maximum rates. Hearing Location(s): On October 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., virtually via Teams or call in. See the DSHS website at https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sesa/rpau/proposed-rules-and-public-hearings for the most current information. Date of Intended Adoption: Not earlier than October 28, 2026. Submit Written Comments to: DSHS Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504, email DSHSRPAURulesCoordinator@dshs.wa.gov , beginning noon on September 23, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. on October 27, 2026. Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Shelley Tencza, rules consultant, phone 360-664-6036, TTY 711 relay service, email shelley.tencza@dshs.wa.gov , by 5:00 p.m. on October 6, 2026. Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposal amends minimum qualifications for home safety evaluation providers to introduce an additional qualification pathway. A qualification pathway is removed for education and consultation providers, as the requirements cannot be met because the requirements are no longer offered. In addition, maximum rates are adjusted for inflation for calendar year 2027 for approved services. The proposal also includes technical edits for clarity. Reasons Supporting Proposal: This proposal adds an additional qualification pathway for home safety evaluation providers to allow additional providers to meet minimum qualifications. Maximum rates are increased for most approved services to account for inflation for calendar year 2027. Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 50B.04.020 (3)(k). Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 50B.04 RCW. Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision. Name of Proponent: DSHS, governmental. Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Arielle Finney, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, 360-764-0384; Implementation and Enforcement: Katie Kelnhofer, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, 564-669-4440. A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW 28A.305.135 . A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328 . A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Arielle Finney, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, phone 360-764-0384, TTY 711 relay service, email Arielle.Finney2@dshs.wa.gov . Scope of exemption for rule proposal from Regulatory Fairness Act requirements: Is not exempt. The proposed rule does not impose more-than-minor costs on businesses. Following is a summary of the agency's analysis showing how costs were calculated. The rules are the least burdensome route to achieving the goals and objectives of the program. The rules do not require an action that violates federal or state law. The rules do not impose more stringent requirements on private entities than on public entities. There are no applicable federal regulations related to the subject of these rules. The public may obtain a copy of the small business economic impact statement or the detailed cost calculations by contacting Arielle Finney, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600, phone 360-764-0384, TTY 711 relay service, email Arielle.Finney2@dshs.wa.gov . September 18, 2026 Katherine I. Vasquez Matter furnished by the Washington Office of the Code Reviser (Washington State Register). Notice Nearby did not write this notice. Source: Washington State Register Published: 2026-09-22 Original: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2026/19/26-19-128.htm This listing was added to the Notice Nearby public register from a public government source. It is not a Notice Nearby paid publication, affidavit, or placement certificate.