WSR 16-24-088

[Filed December 7, 2016, 9:38 a.m.]

Title or Subject: Medicaid State Plan Amendment (SPA) 16-0035 Electronic Health Records Program.

Effective Date: December 22, 2016.

Description: The health care authority (HCA) anticipates submitting SPA 16-0035 in order to clarify that optometrists are considered "physicians" in order to qualify for the electronic health records (EHR) program. The EHR program provides incentive payments to eligible professionals and eligible hospitals as they adopt, implement, upgrade, or demonstrate meaningful use of EHR technology. These incentive programs will not always be available, and financial penalties took effect in 2015 for medicare and medicaid providers who do not transition to EHRs.

Total EHR expenditures for eligible optometrists are anticipated to be $94,796,250 annually.

SPA 16-0035 is in the development process; therefore a copy is not yet available for review. HCA would appreciate any input or concerns regarding this SPA. To request a copy when it becomes available or submit comments, please contact the person named below (please note that all comments are subject to public review and disclosure, as are the names of those who comment).

Name: Kelly McPherson, Electronic Records Incentive Program, 628 8th Avenue S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, Mailstop 45528, phone (360) 725-1309, e-mail Kelly.mcpherson@hca.wa.gov, web site http://www.hca.wa.gov/billers-providers/programs-and-services/resources-0.