Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is amending WAC 388-551-2000 Home health services -- General, 388-551-2010 Home health services -- Definitions, 388-551-2020 Home health services -- Eligible clients, 388-551-2030 Home health skilled services -- Requirements, 388-551-2100 Covered home health services -- Nursing, 388-551-2110 Home health services -- Specialized therapy, 388-551-2120 Home health aide services, 388-551-2130 Noncovered home health services, 388-551-2200 Home health services -- Eligible providers, 388-551-2210 Home health services -- Provider requirements, and 388-551-2220 Home health services -- Provider payments.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, chapter 74.09 RCW, and chapter 326, Laws of 2009 (SHB 1529).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Amendments to these sections are required to implement SHB 1529 which authorizes delivery of home health care services through telemedicine. During the course of this review, the department may identify additional changes that are required in order to improve clarity or update policy.

     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, P.O. Box 45504, Olympia, WA 98504-5504, phone (360) 725-1306, fax (360) 586-9727, TTY (800) 848-5429, e-mail boediwl@dshs.wa.gov.

September 1, 2009

Stephanie E. Vaughn

for Don Goldsby, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

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