PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AD HEALTH SERVICES
(Medical Assistance Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amending WAC 388-550-1050 Hospital services definitions, 388-550-1700 Hospital services -- Prior approval, 388 550-2900 Payment limits -- Inpatient hospital services, 388-531-0050 Physician-related services definitions, possible other sections in chapter 388-550 WAC; and repealing WAC 388-550-1750 Services requiring approval and 388-550-5900 Prior authorization -- Outpatient services.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is no longer using the twenty-four-hours-or-less criteria in the definition for "outpatient short stay." The definition and related references are being replaced with alternative language. The amended rules also update and clarify current prior approval policy for inpatient and outpatient hospital services.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: The department invites the interested public to review and provide input on the draft language of this rule. Draft material and information about how to participate may be obtained from the department representative listed below.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kathy Sayre, Rules Program Manager, P.O. Box 45533, Olympia, WA 98504-5533, phone (360) 725-1342, fax (360) 586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail sayrek@dshs.wa.gov.
June 18, 2004
Brian H. Lindgren, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit