Washington Administrative Code Title 388 - Social and Health Services, Department of
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 388 – Social and Health Services, Department of
WAC Title 388 covers the rules and regulations administered by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). This title is one of the most comprehensive in the WAC and governs a wide range of programs designed to protect and assist vulnerable individuals and families across Washington state.
Key Areas Covered in Title 388:
Public Assistance Programs:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Basic Food (SNAP)
Refugee Cash Assistance
Assistance Units and Income Determination
WorkFirst Employment Programs
Medical Assistance:
Eligibility for Medicaid and related services (though some are now under WAC 182 – Health Care Authority)
Institutional care rules (nursing homes, residential treatment, etc.)
Developmental Disabilities:
Services and eligibility for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
Community residential services and respite care
Aging and Long-Term Support:
In-home and residential care services
Adult protective services
Nursing facility standards
Child Support Enforcement:
Division of Child Support (DCS) rules
Income withholding, payment processing, and paternity establishment
Behavioral Health:
Rules related to mental health and substance use treatment (some now under WAC 246 or WAC 182)
Involuntary treatment procedures
Child Welfare and Protection:
Licensing and regulation of foster homes, group care facilities, and adoption agencies
Child abuse and neglect investigations
Services for children in out-of-home placement
Economic Services:
Eligibility and administration of employment, training, and basic needs services
Family Violence Options
Notable Subtitles Within WAC 388:
WAC 388-14A: Child Support Enforcement
WAC 388-400 to 388-489: Public Assistance Program eligibility
WAC 388-97: Nursing Home Licensing and Medicaid standards
WAC 388-101: Certified Community Residential Services and Supports
WAC 388-106: Long-Term Services and Supports eligibility and delivery
Administrative Authority:
The rules under WAC 388 are administered by DSHS and adopted by the Washington State Code Reviser and the Office of the Governor, often in response to federal mandates or state legislative changes.
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