Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is amending WAC 388-531-1400 Psychiatric physician-related services, 388-556-0600 Mental health services, and possibly other HRSA WACs.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.09.521.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Chapter 359, Laws of 2007 (2SHB 1088) requires the department to improve access to mental health services for children who do not meet regional support network access to care standards. Specifically, the department is revising its rules effective July 1, 2008, to allow children up to twenty hours of outpatient therapy per year, including family therapy visits. In addition, licensed mental health professionals will be allowed to provide the therapy. Currently, children are allowed up to twelve hours of outpatient therapy per year provided by a psychiatrist.

     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. At a later date, DSHS will file a proposal with the office of the code reviser with a notice of proposed rule making. A copy of the proposal will be sent to everyone on the mailing list and to anyone who requests a copy.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kevin Sullivan, HRSA Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 45504, Olympia, WA 98504-5504, phone (360) 725-1344, fax (360) 586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail sullikm@dshs.wa.gov.

January 16, 2008

Stephanie E. Schiller

Rules Coordinator

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