Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.021, 41.05.160; H.R. 6, Section 1004; 42 U.S.C. 1396a(a) and 42 U.S.C. 1396r-8(g).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The agency is revising this rule to comply with the requirements of Section 1004 of the Support for Patients and Communities Act under 42 U.S.C. 1396a(a) by more accurately detailing the drug use review activities to include reference to prior authorization requirements and include the activities of prescribing practitioners in addition to dispensing pharmacies. The agency is also revising subsection (1)(b) to update language in accordance with the Support Act. 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 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 Valerie Smith, Rules Program Manager, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-1344, fax 360-586-9727, telecommunication relay services (TRS) 711, email valerie.smith@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking; or Charles Agte, P.O. Box 45502, Olympia, WA 98504-5502, phone 360-725-1301, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email charles.agte@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.