In 2022, Washington State passed House Bill 2008, removing the use of IQ scores as a determining factor for eligibility in Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS). Instead, eligibility is based on a qualifying diagnosis and an assessment of adaptive functioning, focusing on how a person manages everyday life activities. The change reflects a broader shift toward a more holistic understanding of disability and support needs.

The law responded to concerns that strict IQ cutoffs excluded individuals who needed services but did not meet a specific score. By focusing on functional needs, the change aims to create a more individualized and equitable approach to eligibility. At the same time, it raised questions about consistency and implementation as the system transitions away from a single standardized measure.