This section addresses requests for limitation extensions regarding scope, amount, duration, and frequency of a covered health care service. For the purposes of this section, health care services includes treatment, equipment, related supplies, and drugs. The medicaid agency does not authorize or pay for any covered health care services exceeding identified limitations unless authorization is obtained before the client receives the service.

(1) No limitation extension of covered health care services is authorized when prohibited by specific program rules.

(2) When a limitation extension is not prohibited by specific program rules, the client's provider may request a limitation extension.

(3) The agency evaluates requests for limitation extensions as follows:

(a) For a fee-for-service client, the process described in WAC 182-501-0165.

(b) For a managed care enrollee, the client's managed care organization (MCO) evaluates requests for limitation extensions according to the MCO's prior authorization process.

(c) Both the agency and MCO consider the following in evaluating a request for a limitation extension:

(i) The level of improvement the client has shown to date related to the requested health care service and the reasonably calculated probability of continued improvement if the requested health care service is extended; and

(ii) The reasonably calculated probability the client's condition will worsen if the requested health care service is not extended.