When making a determination during administrative hearings, administrative law judges (ALJ):

1. (1) May only consider the following if the:

   1. (a) Standardized assessment process was not followed;
   2. (b) Information obtained for the initial rate determination was not documented on the standardized assessment tool; or
   3. (c) New information provided by the foster parents for the department review was not accurately documented on the standardized assessment tool.
2. (2) Must apply the rules in this chapter during the administrative hearing.

3. (3) Must not:

   1. (a) Consider:

      1. (i) Information about children or youth:

         1. (A) Outside the standardized assessment tool;

         2. (B) That was not provided to the department at the time of the:

            1. (I) Initial or ongoing completion of the standardized assessment tool; or
            2. (II) Department review requested by the foster parents.

      2. (ii) Challenges to the:

         1. (A) Established foster care rates;
         2. (B) Standardized assessment tool; or
         3. (C) The foster care rate assessment program.
   2. (b) Make a determination that conflicts with a properly completed standardized assessment tool.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.216.065 and 74.13.031. WSR 23-24-040, § 110-50-0550, filed 11/30/23, effective 12/31/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.13.031. WSR 19-16-094, § 110-50-0550, filed 8/1/19, effective 9/1/19. WSR 18-14-078, recodified as § 110-50-0550, filed 6/29/18, effective 7/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090. WSR 09-16-045, § 388-25-0062, filed 7/28/09, effective 8/28/09.]