(1) To become an authorized vendor and receive a contract, a retail business must apply to the department as provided under WAC 246-790-075.

(2) The department shall make available to the applicant copies of the contract and all applicable regulations, policies, and guidelines current at the time of application.

(3) The department will consider an application only if the applicant complies with WAC 246-790-075 and 246-790-077.

(4) If the applicant meets the qualifications or the department has determined that including the applicant's store in the program is necessary to assure participant access, the department may offer a contract to the applicant. An applicant that has an application declined may appeal the department's decision as provided in WAC 246-790-125.

(5) The authorized vendor will be assigned to the department's vendor peer group system as appropriate. The peer group assignment establishes the vendor's maximum allowable reimbursement level.

(6) If authorized, the applicant will become an authorized vendor for the term of the contract, provided the authorized vendor continues to comply with requirements in WAC 246-790-086.

(7) Vendors can request an administrative appeal for certain adverse actions by the department in connection with the contract as specified in the contract and provided in WAC 246-790-125.

(8) The department may temporarily suspend acceptance of applications when in the best interest of program administration.