1. (1) The department may authorize another individual to act on an individual's behalf for the purposes of applications, determinations, and appeals under the department's authority in chapter 50B.04 RCW if:

   1. (a) An individual designates an authorized representative by submitting written documentation or other information as required by the department;
   2. (b) A court-appointed legal guardian with authority to make decisions on an individual's behalf submits documentation as required by the department;
   3. (c) An individual designated as an attorney-in-fact under a power of attorney submits documentation satisfactory to the department to act on an individual's behalf; or

   4. (d) If an individual is unable to designate an authorized representative due to a serious health condition as defined in RCW 50A.05.010, another individual may represent that individual by submitting a complete and signed authorized representative designation form made available by the department, which must include:

      1. (i) Documentation from the individual's health care provider as defined in WAC 192-500-090 certifying that the individual is incapable of completing the administrative requirements required by the department and is unable to designate an authorized representative to act on their behalf; and
      2. (ii) An affidavit or declaration authorized by chapter 5.50 RCW attesting to the responsibility to act in the individual's best interest.

2. (2) The department will terminate the authority given to the authorized representative:

   1. (a) When the individual or authorized representative notifies the department verbally or in writing; or
   2. (b) At the department's discretion.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 50B.04.020, 50B.04.050, 50B.04.090, and 50B.04.180. WSR 26-12-058, s 192-925-020, filed 6/1/26, effective 7/1/26.]