Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-52-0050 Prescription drug affordability board—Data and confidentiality; other related rules as appropriate.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: ESHB 1508, section 2 (2)(a), chapter 80, Laws of 2024, SHB 1105, section 1(1), chapter 171, Laws of 2024; RCW 41.05.021, 41.05.160, chapter 70.405 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The health care authority (agency) is amending this rule to add language about data sharing between the prescription drug affordability board and the health care cost transparency board to align with ESHB 1508, section 2 (2)(a), chapter 80, Laws of 2024. Additionally, the agency may add a new section regarding a time frame of 30 days for public comment prior to the board setting an upper payment limit to align with SHB 1105, section 1(1), chapter 171, Laws of 2024. During the course of this review, the agency 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.

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, Rule-Making Questions, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-1344, fax 360-586-9727, telecommunications relay service (TRS) 711, email valerie.freudenstein@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking; or Mike Neuenschwander, Program Questions, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-725-0944, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email mike.neuenschwander@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.