February 24, 2026

WACs 388-106-1800, 388-106-1805, 388-106-1810 & 388-106-1815

The following proposed amendments in WAC 388-106-1800 – What definitions apply to LTSS PE? Modifications to add definitions of “abbreviated care plan” and “PE assessment” and clarify the definitions of “care plan” and “PE screening”, 388-106-1805 - Am I eligible for LTSS NFLOC PE services? Modifications to remove “(3) Will be discharging from an acute care hospital or diverting from a community psychiatric hospital; or” AND “(4) Have discharged or diverted from an acute care hospital or community psychiatric hospital in the last 30 days; and” to expand who is eligible for LTSS PE NFLOC, 388-106-1810 - What services may I receive under LTSS NFLOC PE? Modifications to add (1) five tier classifications for the personal care service; (2) the number of hours of personal care services for each tier classification as well as the criteria for each tier classification; (3) two steps of services, and 388-106-1815 - Am I eligible for LTSS MPC PE services? Modifications to remove “(3) Will be discharging from an acute care hospital or diverting from a community psychiatric hospital; or” AND “(4) Have discharged or diverted from an acute care hospital or community psychiatric hospital in the last 30 days; and” to expand who is eligible for LTSS PE MPC.

Jovi Sanchez (360) 725-2254

Preproposal notice filed as WSR 25-20-008
Proposed rule filed as WSR 26-03-085
Hearing Date: February 24, 2026

Chapters 388-71 & 388-115 WAC

The purpose of the proposal is to amend WAC sections 388-71-0503, 388-71-0520, 388-71-0523, 388-71-05415, 388-71-0836, 388-71-0839, 388-71-0860, 388-71-0880, 388-71-0888, 388-71-0890, 388-71-0893, 388-71-0897, 388-71-0899, 388-71-0971, 388-71-0977, 388-71-0980, 388-71-0985, 388-71-0991, 388-71-1001, 388-115-0510, 388-115-0523 & 388-115-0540 to align Washington Administrative Code with the requirements of SHB1142. Specifically, legislation driven changes include replacing the phrase “individual provider” with long-term care worker. This aligns basic training and home care aide certification rules across in home care provider employers including home care agencies, the consumer directed employer, and the long-term services and supports trust (WA CARES) potential “third option” for “qualified family members.” Further changes are being made to add new sections to the 388-71 WAC chapter to explain what LTC providers are required to complete the spouse / domestic partner basic training, as well as defining what that training includes. Also, being modified is the WAC language regarding when a LTC provider may be rehired, that family providers working for home care agencies are required annual continuing education, and how long the LTC worker may be allowed to achieve the DOH home care aide certification. Further changes are made for housekeeping purposes and to correct other language and typographical errors in these sections.

Jovi Sanchez (360) 725-2254

Preproposal notice filed as WSR 25-14-066
Proposed rule filed as WSR 26-02-034
Hearing Date: February 24, 2026