Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-531-1850 Payment methodology for physician-related services—General and billing modifiers; other related rules as appropriate.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.021, 41.05.160; and ESSB 5092, section 211 (34) - (36).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: ESSB 5092, section 211 (34) - (36), directs the health care authority (HCA) to enact rate increases for behavioral health services, primary care services, and family planning services. HCA is amending WAC 182-531-1850 Payment methodology for physician-related services—General and billing modifiers, to allow for adjustment of rates as directed by the legislature. During the course of this review, HCA 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: Not applicable.

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 Jason Crabbe, Rulemaking Questions, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-9563, fax 360-586-9727, telecommunication[s] relay service (TRS) 711, email jason.crabbe@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking; or Wendy Steffens, Program Questions, P.O. Box 45500, Olympia, WA 98504-5500, phone 360-725-5145, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email wendy.steffens@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.