| VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1527 |
| May 18, 2009 |
| To the Honorable Speaker and Members, |
| The House of Representatives of the State of Washington |
| I am returning, without my approval, House Bill 1527 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to Medicaid payment rates for boarding homes." |
| This bill requires that prior to adjusting boarding home Medicaid rates, the Department of Social and Health Services (Department) must convene at least one public hearing to inform boarding home providers how the adjustments were calculated and to review all factors considered in implementing the adjustments. |
| With such a hearing already required under the Administrative Procedures Act, this bill would lead to confusion, unnecessary duplication, and additional costs. There are better ways for the Department to improve communication regarding the boarding home reimbursement system, and I have directed them to undertake such communication efforts in lieu of placing this requirement in statute. |
| For this reason, I have vetoed House Bill 1527 in its entirety. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine O. Gregoire |
| Governor |