Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-545-200 Outpatient rehabilitation (occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy); other related rules as appropriate.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In response to SB 5228, section 2, chapter 113, Laws of 2023, the health care authority (HCA) is amending WAC 182-545-200 to state that HCA pays for outpatient rehabilitation services provided to eligible clients when provided by licensed or certified behavioral health agencies as part of a mental health or substance use disorder treatment program. HCA is also amending this rule to add separate limits for clients needing occupational therapy to treat behavioral health conditions. During the course of this review, HCA may identify additional related changes that are required in order to improve clarity or update policy.

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 Jason Crabbe, Rule-Making 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 Dani Crawford, Program Questions, P.O. Box 45502, Olympia, WA 98504-5502, phone 360-725-0983, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email dani.crawford@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.