February 26 2013_NH "Dear Administrator"

February 26, 2013

ADSA:  NH #2013-002
FINAL AMENDMENTS RELATED TO CHAPTER 388-97 WAC

Dear Nursing Facility/Home Administrator:

In August 2012, Residential Care Services (RCS) informed you about possible changes to the nursing home administrative rules.  The department recently filed the final Rule-Making Order (CR-103) for amendments to Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Chapter 388-97 - Nursing Home Rules, with the Office of the Code Reviser.  The rule becomes effective on March 9, 2013 and is published in the Washington State Register as WSR 13-04-093.

The department's purpose in filing the CR-103 is to add and amend sections to Chapter 388-97 WAC to comply and be consistent with federal regulations and newly passed state laws: Substitute House Bill 2056–Relating to assisted living facilities; Substitute House Bill 5708-Relating to reshaping the delivery of long term care services; 20 United States Code 1140 ("Rosa's law"); 42 Code of Federal Regulations 483.20(d); and Social Security Act section 1128I(h), Affordable Care Act section 6113.

Enclosed is the CR-103.  You can also access this on the ADSA website under the heading, "NH Rule Filings" at: http://www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/nh.htm

After the effective date, when the rule language is "codified" and merged into the existing WAC chapter, you will be able to read and print them out from the computer by visiting http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=388-97

Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please contact your RCS Field Manager.

Sincerely,

Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services