WSR 18-05-067

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed February 16, 2018, 11:12 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 182-543 WAC, Durable medical equipment and related supplies, complex rehabilitation technology, prosthetics, orthotics, medical supplies and related services; and other related rules as appropriate.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.021, 41.05.160, 42 C.F.R. Part 440.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The agency is reviewing and revising rules relating to durable medical equipment as a result of federal regulations published in February 2016 under 42 C.F.R. Part 440. During the course of this review, the agency may identify additional changes that are required in order to improve clarity or update policy. The agency previously filed a preproposal statement of inquiry under WSR 16-13-009 to make changes resulting from the federal regulations and to add occupational therapists to the list of eligible prosthetic and orthotic providers. The agency completed the final rules to add occupational therapists to the list of eligible prosthetic and orthotic providers under WSR 17-15-073. This preproposal statement of inquiry will address the remaining updates to chapter 182-543 WAC required as a result of the federal regulations.

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 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, phone 360-725-1408, fax 360-586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, web site www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.

February 16, 2018

Wendy Barcus

Rules Coordinator