Subject of Possible Rule Making: New section within chapter 182-550 WAC, Hospital services; and other related rules as appropriate.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The agency intends to establish rules for the hospital safety net assessment program. During the course of this review, the agency may identify additional related 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: The 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 rule writer 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 (Rule Writer), P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-1408, fax 360-586-9727, telecommunication relay services (TRS) 711, email melinda.froud@hca.wa.gov, web site www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking; or Clinton Fridley (Program Questions), P.O. Box 45510, Olympia, WA 98504-5510, phone 360-725-1577, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email clinton.fridley@hca.wa.gov, web site www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.