Public Comment for Core Waiver Amendment

Developmental Disabilities Administration Update

May 16, 2018

Dear DDA Stakeholder:

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is preparing to file a second amendment for the Core Home and Community-Based (HCBS) waiver with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 

Stakeholders have an opportunity to review the draft amendment prior to it being sent to CMS. The 30-day public comment period is May 16 through June 16, 2018. The amendment is a long document (336 pages).  To briefly summarize:

  • DSHS proposes to require children seeking residential habilitation services to meet criteria for DDA’s Voluntary Placement Services. In addition, children’s residential service providers will be required to meet contract standards and comply with Voluntary Placement Services rules in chapter 388-826 Washington Administrative Code.

We believe the proposed changes will have no negative impacts on current or future DDA waiver participants.

The full amendment is available on our website. Official notices are also located in the Washington State Register and in DDA field services offices.

Send comments to Bob Beckman up until June 16, 2018.

All future announcements of waiver amendments, waiver renewals and new waivers will be made using this communication system, the Washington Register and flyers in DDA office lobbies.

Contact us for questions or feedback.