WSR 16-19-037 PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH [Filed September 14, 2016, 9:42 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-322 WAC, Private psychiatric and alcoholism hospitals and chapter 246-324 WAC, Private alcohol and chemical dependency hospitals. The department is considering updating construction standards for these hospitals. The department is also considering repealing chapter 246-324 WAC and integrating all requirements for private alcohol and chemical dependency hospitals into chapter 246-322 WAC.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Integration of mental health and chemical dependency licensing, operational and construction requirements would create clarity and efficiency for the department in developing policy for and regulating private hospitals providing integrated behavioral health services. The current construction standards for these types of hospitals have not been updated in over twenty years. In that time there have been substantial advances in the way these physical environments are designed. Updating construction standards also provides consistency for behavioral health units in private and acute care hospitals.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also regulates the psychiatric hospitals licensed in Washington state. Any revisions to the chapter would be consistent with CMS regulations. The department of social and health services (DSHS) certifies behavioral health services provided in psychiatric and chemical dependency hospitals. DSHS will be included in all department of health stakeholder activities.
Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Julie Tomaro, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 236-2937, fax (360) 236-2321, Julie.Tomaro@doh.wa.gov.
September 12, 2016
John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH
Secretary
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