WSR 15-07-046

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed March 12, 2015, 11:06 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: New rule section(s) in chapter 182-550 WAC regarding potentially preventable hospital readmissions; WAC 182-550-2900 Inpatient hospital services; and other rules as appropriate.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.021, 41.05.160.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Preventable inpatient hospital readmissions is a recognized issue at the federal and state level, affecting patient health and costing taxpayers unnecessary dollars. The new rules would support the reduction of unnecessary inpatient hospital readmissions, improve the quality of care, and reduce waste.

During the course of this review, the agency may identify additional changes that are required in order to improve clarity or update policy.

Process for Developing New Rule: The agency 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, the agency 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 Melinda Froud, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, fax (360) 586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail Melinda.froud@hca.wa.gov.

March 12, 2015

Jason R. P. Crabbe

Rules Coordinator