Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 182-538D WAC, Behavioral health services, the health care authority (HCA) is considering adopting a new chapter of rules regarding behavioral health services and new WAC 182-100-0100 for problem gambling services; and other related rules as appropriate.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.021, 41.05.160, 2ESBH [2ESHB] 1388 (chapter 201, Laws of 2018).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This rule making is required to comply with the requirements in 2ESHB 1388 which changed the designation of the state behavioral health authority from the department of social and health services (DSHS) to HCA, effective July 1, 2018. HCA filed emergency rules under WSR 18-14-027 to transfer the rules from DSHS to HCA. During the course of this review, the agency may identify additional changes that are required in order to improve clarity or update policy.

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 Amy Emerson, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-1348, fax 360-586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, email amy.emerson@hca.wa.gov, web site www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.