Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-531-1550 Sterilization physician-related services; other related rules as appropriate.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The agency is amending WAC 182-531-1550 to remove subsection (5), which describes the circumstances under which the agency waives the thirty-day consent waiting period for sterilization. The agency has determined this rule amendment is necessary to align with federal rule, specifically 42 C.F.R. sections 50.203(d) and 50.204 (7)(e)(1). 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: Department of Health and Human Services, 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 Brian Jensen (Rulemaking Questions), P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-1585, fax 360-586-9727, telecommunication[s] relay services (TRS) 711, email brian.jensen@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking; or Melissa Kundur (Program Questions), P.O. Box 45506, Olympia, WA 98504-5506, phone 360-725-5297, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email Melissa.kundur@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.