WSR 97-16-108

AGENDA

HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY

[Filed August 6, 1997, 10:11 a.m.]

In support of Governor Locke's initiative to improve the effectiveness and fairness of the administrative rules of the state of Washington, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) will be implementing a regulatory improvement initiative over the next year. A key component of this initiative is to elicit input from the major stakeholder groups for the HCA programs: The Washington Basic Health Plan, Public Employees Benefits Board programs, and Primary Health Care Services.

As a first step, we are requesting your input into the following draft regulatory improvement plan and draft WAC review schedule. Please note that this is a general overview and unique steps will be taken for each HCA program to ensure appropriate opportunities for stakeholder input. The intent of this initiative is to solicit input for improving the effectiveness and fairness of the administrative rules and informal policies of the HCA and its programs, not to propose major, fundamental policy changes. The HCA will continue to use the state-approved formal rule-making process to evaluate and implement changes to administrative rules.

1. Initiate internal planning for a regulatory improvement process for the Health Care Authority and its programs. Begin Date: April 21, 1997.

2. Notify stakeholder groups of all Health Care Authority programs (see enclosed list) of the regulatory improvement initiative being undertaken in response to Executive Order 97-02. The notification will include a copy of this draft regulatory improvement plan and draft WAC review schedule for review, with comments requested back to the Health Care Authority by August 11, 1997. Due Date: July 24, 1997.

3. Incorporate stakeholder comments into a final regulatory improvement plan and review schedule, which will be submitted to Governor Locke. Due Date: August 29, 1997.

4. Complete an internal Health Care Authority assessment of potential areas needing rule revision, giving consideration to stakeholder input and listing revisions in order of priority. Due Date: September 10, 1997.

5. Distribute a final schedule for public review and feedback for the rules or policies that have been the subject of concern; request questions and comments regarding the review process, schedule, and identified priority areas. Due Date: September 15, 1997.

6. Complete a process for stakeholder review and comment on rules and informal policies that have been identified as areas of concern relating to the regulatory improvement initiative. Document the results of the stakeholder review and provide this information for Health Care Authority consideration in the formal rule-making process, which includes public hearings for all changes to the administrative rules. Due Date: April 1, 1998.

7. Continue regulatory improvement process, with annual progress reports to the governor on completing regulatory review and any improvement measures taken. Due Date: October 15 Annual.

All benefit plans

PHCS contractors (Community Clinics)

Washington Association of Community and Migrant Health Centers

Department of Health

Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Department of Social and Health Services/Medical Assistance Administration

Columbia Legal Services

PEBB board members and participating agencies

Basic Health Advisory Council

PEBB mailing list (including advocacy groups)

Basic Health mailing list (including advocacy groups)

Higher education benefit managers

Others as requested

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