WSR 16-20-039

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed September 28, 2016, 10:40 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-551-1510 Rates methodology and payment method for hospice agencies and other related rules as appropriate.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.021, 41.05.160, Sec. 1814 (i)(5)(A)(i) of the Social Security Act, and 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1395f (i)(5)(A)(i).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The agency is amending WAC 182-551-1510 to add new language that reflects a two percent payment reduction to hospice providers who did not comply with the medicare quality data reporting program under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1395f (i)(5)(A)(i). 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 Katie Pounds, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, fax (360) 586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail katherine.pounds@hca.wa.gov.

September 28, 2016

Wendy Barcus

Rules Coordinator