WSR 15-14-084

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed June 29, 2015, 2:07 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-310-270 Ambulatory surgery, the department of health (department) certificate of need program (CoN) is opening the ambulatory surgical facility rules to consider revisions to update, streamline and modernize language, including need methodology.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 70.38.135.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The CoN program is considering proposing revisions to WAC 246-310-270 to address changes in the industry and to clarify, streamline and modernize language. A comprehensive revision of this section has not been completed since 1991.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department of social and health services (DSHS) and the health care authority (HCA) are involved in medicare and medicaid billing and reimbursement issues for CoN approved ambulatory surgical facilities. The department will coordinate with DSHS and HCA as appropriate.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Interested parties may participate in the development of draft rules prior to a formal proposal by joining the department listserv, attending workshops, or providing input on draft materials. Interested parties can receive information on how to participate in updating the rule by contacting Katherine Hoffman, Policy Analyst, Department of Health, Health Systems Quality Assurance, Office of the Assistant Secretary, P.O. Box 47850, 111 Israel Road S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7850, e-mail Katherine.Hoffman@doh.wa.gov, phone (360) 236-4617, or fax (360) 236-4626.

June 29, 2015

John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary