Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is amending WAC 388-549-1100 Rural health clinics -- Definitions, 388-549-1400 Rural health clinics -- Reimbursement and limitations, and 388-549-1500 Rural health clinics -- Change in scope of service.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, 42 U.S.C. 1396a(bb).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: These rule amendments are necessary to describe the reimbursement methodology the department will use for rural health clinics (RHC), as authorized by 42 U.S.C. 1396a(bb).

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

     Process for Developing New Rule: DSHS welcomes the public to take part in developing the rules. Anyone interested should contact the staff person identified 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 Wendy L. Boedigheimer, Rules Program Manager, Health and Recovery Services Administration, Office of Rules and Publications, P.O. Box 45504, Olympia, WA 98504-5504, phone (360) 725-1306, fax (360) 586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail boediwl@dshs.wa.gov.

July 21, 2009

Stephanie E. Schiller

Rules Coordinator

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office