WSR 14-03-080

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed January 15, 2014, 1:53 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The agency is amending the following emergency medical transportation rule sections: WAC 182-546-0001, 182-546-0100, 182-546-0200, 182-546-0250, 182-546-0300, 182-546-0400, 182-546-0425, 182-546-0450, 182-546-0500, 182-546-0600, 182-546-0700, 182-546-0800, 182-546-0900, 182-546-1000, 182-546-1500, 182-546-2500, 182-546-4000, and other related sections as necessary.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.021.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Revision to these sections is necessary to (1) establish rules to inform and educate providers regarding ambulance program policies not currently addressed or sufficiently explained in chapter 182-546 WAC and billing instructions (e.g., use of ambulance transportation for mental health services); (2) update erroneous rule citations; and (3) change "MAA" or "the department" to "the agency" throughout. During the course of this review, the agency may identify additional changes that are required in order to improve clarity or update policy.

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

Process for Developing New Rule: The health care authority (HCA) welcomes the public to take part in developing this rule. If interested, contact the person identified below to receive an early rule draft to review. After the early review, HCA will send a notice of proposed rule making (CR-102) to everyone receiving this notice and 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. Barcus, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, fax (360) 586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail wendy.barcus@hca.wa.gov.

January 15, 2014

Kevin M. Sullivan

Rules Coordinator