Title or Subject: Medicaid State Plan Amendment (SPA) 23-0007 Community First Choice and Waiver (WA.0049, WA.0443, WA.1086) Amendments - Remove Face-to-Face Assessment Requirement.

Description: The health care authority (HCA) and the department of social and health services (DSHS) intend to submit SPA 23-0007 to Community First Choice, and amendments to the home and community-based [services] (HCBS) community options program entry system (COPES) waiver, new freedom waiver, and residential support waiver to remove the "face-to-face" interview language in the medicaid state plan and HCBS waivers regarding completion of assessments. The purpose of this change is to allow more processes and techniques, including technology mediums, to be used to obtain information when completing assessments beyond the public health emergency.

SPA 23-0007 is expected to have no effect on the annual aggregate expenditures/reimbursement/payment for services and administrative tasks.

SPA 23-0007 is in the development process; therefore, a copy is not yet available for review. HCA and DSHS would appreciate any input or concerns regarding this SPA. To request a copy when it becomes available or submit comments, please contact the person named below (please note that all comments are subject to public review and disclosure, as are the names of those who comment).

CONTACT: Grace Brower, Waiver Program Manager, ALTSA, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-725-3293, TRS 711, fax 360-438-8633, email grace.brower1@dshs.wa.gov, website www.dshs.wa.gov.