Subject of Possible Rule Making: Medical Assistance Administration (MAA) is considering amending WAC 388-501-0050 to explain how MAA determines if a service or equipment is covered or noncovered, and the conditions that may be placed on coverage, such as prior authorization, expedited prior authorization and/or service limitations. MAA will also amend rules pertaining to specific programs to reference this general rule rather than duplicate the information.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.520.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The terms covered and noncovered are used throughout MAA WACs. MAA will consolidate information and include a general description of a new, expedited prior authorization process that can be used for some services and equipment. MAA will also eliminate duplication in existing MAA rules.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: The department invites the interested public to review and provide input on the draft language of this WAC. Draft material and information about how to participate are available by contacting the DSHS representative identified below.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Leslie Saeger, Regulatory Improvement Manager, Medical Assistance Administration, Olympia, WA 98504-5530, phone (360) 725-2315, fax (360) 586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail saegell@dshs.wa.gov.

April 19, 2000

Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

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