PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Medical Assistance Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 388-543 WAC, Durable medical equipment (DME) and related supplies, prosthetics, and orthotics, medical supplies and related services.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.050, 74.04.57 [74.04.057], 74.08.090.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The Medical Assistance Administration (MAA) is making the following changes to chapter 388-543 WAC:
• Adding "washable protective underwear" to the list of diapers and related supplies under WAC 388-543-1150;
• Clarifying the standard specifications for diapers, pull up pants, briefs, washable protective underwear, underpads, liners and undergarment under WAC 388-543-1150;
• Clarifying products that cannot be used together under WAC 388-543-1150; and
• Removing the word "unwilling" from WAC 388-543-1500 (5)(b) and (6)(b).
During the course of this review, MAA may identify additional changes that are required in order to improve clarity or to update policy. However, reimbursement methodology is not part of this rule-making action. Reimbursement methodology will be addressed in the near future under a different CR-101 notice. The CR-101 filed previously as WSR 04-23-102 on November 17, 2004, is being withdrawn.
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 Wendy L. Boedigheimer, Rules Program Manager, Medical Assistance Administration, Rules and Publications Section, P.O. Box 45533, Olympia, WA 98504-5533, phone (360) 725-1306, fax (360) 586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail boediwl@dshs.wa.gov.
June 20, 2005
Andy Fernando, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit