Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The health care authority (agency) is revising this rule in accordance with the settlement agreement in the case of National Association of Chain Drug Stores, et al., v. Washington State Health Care Authority, et al. (Case No. 51489-3-II) and for the purpose of ensuring the continuation of federal medicaid funding. HCA also filed an emergency rule-making order under WSR 23-22-074, while the permanent rule-making process is being completed. 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: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Process for Developing New Rule: HCA 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, HCA 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, Rule-Making 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 Wendy Steffens, Program Questions, P.O. Box 45510, Olympia, WA 98504-5510, phone 360-725-5145, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email wendy.steffens@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.