WSR 08-03-124

EXPEDITED RULES

OFFICE OF

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

[ Insurance Commissioner Matter No. R 2008-02 -- Filed January 23, 2008, 7:34 a.m. ]

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 284-43-810 Coverage for mental health services.

NOTICE

     THIS RULE IS BEING PROPOSED UNDER AN EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THE AGENCY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, PREPARE A SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT, OR PROVIDE RESPONSES TO THE CRITERIA FOR A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE RULE. IF YOU OBJECT TO THIS USE OF THE EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS, YOU MUST EXPRESS YOUR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING AND THEY MUST BE SENT TO Kacy Scott, Insurance Commissioner, P.O. Box 40258, Olympia, WA 98504-0258, e-mail Kacys@oic.wa.gov , AND RECEIVED BY March 25, 2008.


     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: To repeal WAC 284-43-810. WAC 284-43-810 sets forth required mental health disclosure information that must be included in all health care contracts. New laws governing required mental health coverage were enacted effective January 1, 2008, making this disclosure obsolete.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: RCW 48.20.580, 48.21.241, 48.44.341, 48.46.291, effective January 1, 2008, define coverage required for mental health services. The disclosures required under WAC 284-43-810 will be confusing to consumers as they are now obsolete because of the new laws.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 48.02.060, 48.20.450, 48.20.460, 48.44.020, 48.44.050, 48.46.200.

     Statute Being Implemented: Not applicable.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Mike Kreidler, insurance commissioner, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Donna Dorris, P.O. Box 40258, Olympia, WA 98504-0258, (360) 725-7040; Implementation: Beth Berendt, P.O. Box 40255, Olympia, WA 98504-0255, (360) 725-7117; and Enforcement: Carol Sureau, P.O. Box 40255, Olympia, WA 98504-0255, (360) 725-7050.

January 23, 2008

Mike Kreidler

Insurance Commissioner

OTS-1273.1


REPEALER

     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 284-43-810 Coverage for mental health services.

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office