Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-550-7500 OPPS rate, 182-550-7550 OPPS payment enhancements; other related rules as appropriate.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: ESSB 5693, section 211(52), chapter 297, Laws of 2022; RCW 41.05.021, 41.05.160.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The agency is amending WAC 182-550-7500 by removing duplicate language found in subsections (6), (7), and (8). The same language can be found in WAC 182-550-7550. The agency is amending WAC 182-550-7550 to align with ESSB 5693 by extending the rate for an additional year and adding language for an additional increased rate for providers who take singe [single] bed certifications. Language updated for readability. During the course of this review, the health care authority 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 (CMS).

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 Freudenstein, Rulemaking Questions, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-1344, fax 360-586-9727, telecommunication[s] relay service (TRS) 711, email valerie.freudenstein@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking; or Tracy Huynh, Program Questions, P.O. Box 55686, Olympia, WA 98504-5686, phone 360-725-1311, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email tracy.huynh@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.