Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 09-13-099.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 18-552 WAC, Respiratory therapy.

     Hearing Location(s): Health Care Authority (HCA), Cherry Street Plaza Building, Sue Crystal Conference Room (106A), 626 8th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98504 (metered public parking is available street side around building. A map is available at http://maa.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/CherryStreetDirectionsNMap.pdf or directions can be obtained by calling (360) 725-1000), on May 22, 2012, at 10:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: Not sooner than May 23, 2012.

     Submit Written Comments to: HCA Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 45504, Olympia, WA 98504-5504, delivery 626 8th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98504, e-mail arc@hca.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-9727, by 5:00 p.m. on May 22, 2012.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Kelly Richters by May 15, 2012, TTY/TDD (800) 848-5429 or (360) 725-1307 or e-mail kelly.richters@hca.wa.gov.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: HCA's medicaid program is amending chapter 182-552 WAC, Respiratory care (formerly titled Oxygen and respiratory therapy). Major highlights of changes:

•	Followed medicare's clinical criteria, where possible.
•	Added coverage limits into rule to mirror coverage tables in medicaid provider guide (formerly known as billing instructions).
•	Removed requirement for prognosis from the prescription.
•	Clarified that the prescription is valid for one year (except for oxygen).
•	For oxygen, followed Medicare's Group I and II criteria. The prescription for Group I criteria is valid for one year. The prescription for Group II needs to be reevaluated at three months to see if the client is still borderline.
•	Removed allowance for separate payment for qualifying oximetry checks.
•	Added the thirty-six month capped rental policy for oxygen to align with current policy.
•	Changed limit for a CPAP humidifier from one every three years to one every five years.
•	Increased coverage for some CPAP supplies.
•	Added language regarding airway clearance devices.
•	Removed oxygen clinical criteria (except prescription requirement) for clients under twenty years of age.
•	Followed medicare's LCD for RADs ... OSA diagnosis is no longer covered except for hypoventilation.
•	Adopted Oregon's clinical criteria for apnea monitors.
•	Removed allowance of separate payment for heated humidifiers for ventilators (it is included in the current monthly vent rate).
•	Added language regarding criteria for a secondary ventilator.
•	Removed allowance for payment for one month rental of loaner equipment (K0462) while client's equipment is being repaired.
•	Added coverage for two portable suction machines.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: These rule amendments are necessary to improve clarity, update policy regarding respiratory care, reorganize the sections to be consistent with other agency recently filed chapters, and align with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) where possible.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 41.05.021.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 41.05.021.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Health care authority, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Wendy L. Boedigheimer, HCA, P.O. Box 45504, Olympia, WA, (360) 725-1306; Implementation and Enforcement: Marlene Black, HCA, P.O. Box 45510, Olympia, WA, (360) 725-1577.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The agency has analyzed the proposed rules and concludes that they do not impose more than minor costs for affected small businesses.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to HCA rules unless requested by the joint administrative rules [review] committee or applied voluntarily.

April 17, 2012

Kevin M. Sullivan

Rules Coordinator

OTS-4649.4

NEW SECTION
WAC 182-552-0001   Respiratory care -- General.   (1) The respiratory care described in this chapter is considered part of the agency's durable medical equipment (DME) benefit. This chapter applies to:

     (a) Medicaid clients who require respiratory care in their homes, community residential settings, and skilled nursing facilities;

     (b) Providers who supply respiratory care to medicaid clients; and

     (c) Licensed health care professionals whose scope of practice allows for the provision of respiratory care.

     (2) The medicaid agency covers the respiratory care listed in this chapter according to the limitations and requirements in this chapter.

     (3) The medicaid agency pays for respiratory care for medicaid clients when it is:

     (a) Covered;

     (b) Within the scope of the eligible client's medical care program;

     (c) Medically necessary, as defined under chapter 182-500 WAC;

     (d) Prescribed by a physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP), or physician assistant certified (PAC) within the scope of his or her licensure;

     (e) Authorized, as required within this chapter, chapters 182-501 and 182-502 WAC, and the agency's published medicaid provider guides and provider notices;

     (f) Billed according to this chapter, chapters 182-501 and 182-502 WAC, and the agency's published medicaid provider guides and provider notices; and

     (g) Provided and used within accepted medical or respiratory care community standards of practice.

     (4) The agency does not require prior authorization for requests for covered respiratory care for medicaid clients that meets the clinical criteria set forth in this chapter.

     (5) The agency requires prior authorization for covered respiratory care for medicaid clients when the clinical criteria set forth in this chapter are not met, including the criteria associated with the expedited prior authorization process.

     (a) The medicaid agency evaluates requests requiring prior authorization on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they are medically necessary, according to the process found in WAC 182-501-0165.

     (b) Refer to WAC 182-552-1300, 182-552-1325, 182-552-1350, and 182-552-1375 for specific details regarding authorization.

[]

     "Adult family home" - A residential home licensed to care for up to six residents that provides rooms, meals, laundry, supervision, assistance with activities of daily living, and personal care. In addition to these services, some homes provide nursing or other special care and services.

     "Apnea" - The cessation of airflow for at least ten seconds.

     "Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)" - The average number of episodes of apnea and hypopnea per hour of sleep without the use of a positive airway pressure device. For purposes of this chapter, respiratory effort related arousals (RERAs) are not included in the calculation.

     "Arterial PaO₂" - Measurement of partial pressure of arterial oxygen.

     "Authorized prescriber" - A health care practitioner authorized by law or rule in the state of Washington to prescribe oxygen and respiratory care equipment, supplies, and services.

     "Base year" - As used in this chapter, means the year in which the respiratory care medicaid provider guide's current fee schedule is adopted.

     "Bi-level respiratory assist device with backup rate" - A device that allows independent setting of inspiratory and expiratory pressures to deliver positive airway pressure (within a single respiratory cycle) by way of tubing and a noninvasive interface (such as a nasal or oral facial mask) to assist spontaneous respiratory efforts and supplement the volume of inspired air into the lungs. In addition, these devices have a timed backup feature to deliver this air pressure whenever sufficient spontaneous inspiratory efforts fail to occur.

     "Bi-level respiratory assist device without backup rate" - A device that allows independent setting of inspiratory and expiratory pressures to deliver positive airway pressure (within a single respiratory cycle) by way of tubing and a noninvasive interface (such as a nasal, oral, or facial mask) to assist spontaneous respiratory efforts and supplement the volume of inspired air into the lungs.

     "Blood gas study" - For the purposes of this chapter, is either an oximetry test or an arterial blood gas test.

     "Boarding home" - Adult residential care (ARC) facility, enhanced adult residential care (EARC) facility, or assisted living (AL) facility.

     "Central sleep apnea (CSA)" - Is defined as:

     (1) An apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) greater than or equal to five; and

     (2) Central apneas/hypopneas greater than fifty percent of the total apneas/hypopneas; and

     (3) Central apneas or hypopneas greater than or equal to five times per hour; and

     (4) Symptoms of either excessive sleepiness or disrupted sleep.

     "Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)" - Any disorder that persistently obstructs bronchial airflow. COPD mainly involves two related diseases: Chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both cause chronic obstruction of air flowing through the airways and in and out of the lungs. The obstruction is generally permanent and worsens over time.

     "Complex sleep apnea (CompSA)" - A form of central apnea specifically identified by the persistence or emergence of central apneas or hypopneas, upon exposure to CPAP or a bi-level respiratory assist device without a back-up rate feature, when obstructive events have disappeared. These clients have predominantly obstructive or mixed apneas during the diagnostic sleep study occurring at greater than or equal to five times per hour. With use of a CPAP or bi-level respiratory assist device without a back-up rate feature, the client shows a pattern of apneas and hypopneas that meets the definition of central sleep apnea (CSA).

     "Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)" - A single-level device which delivers a constant level of positive air pressure (within a single respiratory cycle) by way of tubing and an interface to assist spontaneous respiratory efforts and supplement the volume of inspired air into the lungs.

     "Dependent edema" - Fluid in the tissues, usually ankles, wrists, and the arms.

     "Emergency oxygen" - The immediate, short-term administration of oxygen to a client who normally does not receive oxygen, but is experiencing an acute episode which requires oxygen.

     "Erythrocythemia" - More hematocrit (red blood cells) than normal.

     "FIO₂" - The fractional concentration of oxygen delivered to the client for inspiration. For the purpose of this policy, the client's prescribed FIO₂ refers to the oxygen concentration the client normally breathes when not undergoing testing to qualify for coverage of a respiratory assist device (RAD). That is, if the client does not normally use supplemental oxygen, their prescribed FIO₂ is that found in room air.

     "FEV1" - The forced expired volume in one second.

     "FVC" - The forced vital capacity.

     "Group I" - Clinical criteria, set by medicare, to identify chronic oxygen clients with obvious respiratory challenges as evidenced by low oxygen saturation. The clinical criteria for Group I include any of the following:

     • An arterial PaO₂ at or below fifty-five mm Hg or an arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂) at or below eighty-eight percent taken at rest (awake); or

     • An arterial PaO₂ at or below fifty-five mm Hg, or an arterial oxygen saturation at or below eighty-eight percent for at least five minutes taken during sleep for a client who demonstrates an arterial PaO₂ at or above fifty-six mm Hg or an arterial oxygen saturation at or above eighty-nine percent while awake; or

     • A decrease in arterial PaO₂ more than ten mm Hg, or a decrease in arterial oxygen saturation more than five percent from baseline saturation for at least five minutes taken during sleep associated with symptoms (e.g., impairment of cognitive processes and nocturnal restlessness or insomnia) or signs (e.g., cor pulmonale, "P" pulmonale on EKG, documented pulmonary hypertension and erythrocytosis) reasonably attributable to hypoxemia; or

     • An arterial PaO₂ at or below fifty-five mm Hg or an arterial oxygen saturation at or below eighty-eight percent, taken during exercise for a client who demonstrates an arterial PaO₂ at or above fifty-six mm Hg or an arterial oxygen saturation at or above eighty-nine percent during the day while at rest. In this case, oxygen is provided during exercise if it is documented that the use of oxygen improves the hypoxemia that was demonstrated during exercise when the client was breathing room air.

     "Group II" - Clinical criteria, set by medicare, to identify borderline oxygen clients. Their blood saturation levels seem to be within the normal range, but there are additional extenuating issues that suggest a need for oxygen. The clinical criteria for Group II include any of the following:

     • The presence of an arterial PaO₂ of fifty-six to fifty-nine mm Hg or an arterial blood oxygen saturation of eighty-nine percent at rest (awake), during sleep for at least five minutes, or during exercise (as described under Group I criteria); and

     • Any of the following:

     – Dependent edema suggesting congestive heart failure; or

     – Pulmonary hypertension or cor pulmonale, determined by measurement of pulmonary artery pressure, gated blood pool scan, echocardiogram, or "P" pulmonale on EKG (P wave greater than three mm in standard leads II, III, or AVF); or

     – Erythrocythemia with a hematocrit greater than fifty-six percent.

     "Home and community residential settings" - In-home, adult family home, or boarding home.

     "Hypopnea" - A temporary reduction of airflow lasting at least ten seconds and accompanied with a thirty percent reduction in thoracoabdominal movement or airflow as compared to baseline, and with at least a four percent decrease in oxygen saturation. The AHI is the average number of episodes of apnea and hypopnea per hour of sleep without the use of a positive airway pressure device.

     "Hypoxemia" - Less than normal level of oxygen in the blood.

     "Maximum allowable" - The maximum dollar amount the medicaid agency reimburses a provider for a specific service, supply, or piece of equipment.

     "Month" - For the purposes of this chapter, means thirty days.

     "Nebulizer" - A medical device which administers drugs for inhalation therapy for clients with respiratory conditions such as asthma or emphysema.

     "Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)" - This syndrome refers to the interruption of breathing during sleep, due to obstructive tissue in the upper airway that collapses into the air passage with respiration.

     "Oxygen" - Medical grade liquid or gaseous oxygen.

     "Oxygen concentrator" - A medical device that removes nitrogen from room air and retains almost pure oxygen (eighty-seven percent to ninety-five percent) for delivery to a client.

     "Oxygen system" - All equipment necessary to provide oxygen to a client.

     "Portable oxygen system" - A system which allows the client to be independent of the stationary system for several hours, thereby providing mobility for the client.

     "Pulmonary hypertension" - High blood pressure in the vessels that feed through the lungs, causing the right side of the heart to work harder to oxygenate blood.

     "Respiratory care" - The care of a client with respiratory needs and all related equipment, oxygen, services, and supplies.

     "Respiratory care medicaid provider guide" - A manual containing procedures for billing, which is available on-line at http://maa.dshs.wa.gov/download.

     "Respiratory care practitioner" - A person licensed by the department of health according to chapter 18.89 RCW and chapter 246-928 WAC as a respiratory therapist (RT) or respiratory care practitioner (RCP).

     "Respiratory effort related arousals (RERA)" - These occur when there is a sequence of breaths that lasts at least ten seconds, characterized by increasing respiratory effort or flattening of the nasal pressure waveform, which lead to an arousal from sleep. However, they do not meet the criteria of an apnea or hypopnea.

     "Restrictive thoracic disorders" - This refers to a variety of neuromuscular and anatomical anomalies of the chest/rib cage area that may result in hypoventilation, particularly while the client sleeps at night.

     "Reasonable useful lifetime (RUL)" - For thirty-six month capped oxygen equipment, the RUL is five years. The RUL is not based on the chronological age of the equipment. It starts on the initial date of the rental and runs for five years from that date.

     "Stationary oxygen system" - Equipment designed to be used in one location, generally for the purpose of continuous use or frequent intermittent use.

[]

     (a) Categorically needy (CN);

     (b) Children's health care as described in WAC 388-505-0210;

     (c) Medically needy (MN);

     (d) Medical care services as described in WAC 182-508-0005; and

     (e) Alien emergency medical (AEM) as described in WAC 388-438-0110, when the medical services are necessary to treat a qualifying emergency medical condition.

     (2) Clients who are enrolled in an agency-contracted managed care organization (MCO) must arrange for all respiratory care directly through his or her MCO.

     (3) For clients residing in skilled nursing facilities, boarding homes, and adult family homes, see WAC 182-552-0150.

     (4) Clients who are eligible for services under medicare and medicaid (medically needy program-qualified medicare beneficiaries) are eligible for respiratory care.

[]

     (1) The medicaid agency pays, according to the requirements in this chapter, for the chronic use of medically necessary respiratory care.

     (2) The medicaid agency does not pay separately for the following:

     (a) Emergency oxygen equipment and supplies; and

     (b) Licensed respiratory care staff.

[]

     (a) Meet the general provider requirements in chapter 182-502 WAC;

     (b) Obtain prior authorization from the medicaid agency, if required, before delivery to the client and before billing the agency;

     (c) Keep initial and subsequent prescriptions according to the requirements within this chapter;

     (d) Provide instructions to the client and/or caregiver on the safe and proper use of equipment provided;

     (e) Have a licensed health care professional whose scope of practice allows for the provision of respiratory care. The licensed health care professional must also:

     (i) Check equipment and ensure equipment settings continue to meet the client's needs; and

     (ii) Communicate with the client's authorized prescriber if there are any concerns or recommendations.

     (f) Verify that the client has a valid prescription.

     (i) To be valid, a prescription must:

     (A) Be written, and signed and dated by a physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP), or physician's assistant certified (PAC); and

     (B) State the specific items or services requested, including the quantity, frequency, and duration/length of need. Prescriptions that only state "as needed" or "PRN" are not sufficient; and

     (C) For an initial prescription, not be older than three months from the date the prescriber signed the prescription; or

     (D) For subsequent prescriptions, not be older than one year from the date the prescriber signs the prescription (see WAC 182-552-0800 for exception to this time frame for oxygen).

     (ii) If oxygen is prescribed:

     (A) The following additional information is required:

     (I) Flow rate of oxygen;

     (II) Estimated length of need;

     (III) Frequency and duration of oxygen use; and

     (IV) The client's oxygen saturation level.

     (B) For clients who meet:

     (I) Group I clinical criteria, recertification is required one year after initial certification.

     (II) Group II clinical criteria, recertification is required three months after the initial certification and annually thereafter.

     (C) Providers may use the client's oxygen saturation or laboratory values to meet recertification requirements.

     (2) The medicaid agency does not pay for respiratory care equipment and/or supplies furnished to the agency's clients when:

     (a) The authorized prescriber who provides medical justification to the agency for the item provided to the client is an employee of, has a contract with, or has any financial relationship with the provider of the item; or

     (b) The authorized prescriber who performs a client evaluation is an employee of, has a contract with, or has any financial relationship with a provider of respiratory care equipment, supplies, and related items.

[]

     (2) The medicaid agency requires the proof of delivery to:

     (a) Be signed and dated by the client or the client's authorized representative (the date of signature must be the date the item was received by the client); and

     (b) Include the client's name and a detailed description of the item(s) delivered, including the quantity, brand name, and serial number.

[]

     (a) The client is less than one year of age and meets at least one of the following clinical criteria:

     (i) Born less than thirty-seven weeks gestation, and the infant is not more than forty-three weeks corrected gestational age;

     (ii) Had an apparent life-threatening apneic event (defined as requiring mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or vigorous stimulation);

     (iii) Has been diagnosed with bradycardia and is being treated with caffeine, theophylline, or other stimulating agents;

     (iv) Has documented gastro-esophageal reflux which results in apnea, bradycardia, or oxygen desaturation;

     (v) Has documented apnea greater than twenty seconds in duration;

     (vi) Has apnea for periods less than twenty seconds in duration and accompanied by bradycardia, cyanosis, or pallor;

     (vii) Has bradycardia (defined as heart rate less than one hundred beats per minute);

     (viii) Has oxygen desaturation below ninety percent;

     (ix) Has neurologic/anatomic/metabolic or respiratory diseases affecting respiratory drive; or

     (x) Is a subsequent sibling of an infant who died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), until the client is one month older than the age at which the earlier sibling died and the client remains event-free; and

     (b) The vendor has a licensed clinician with competency in pediatric respiratory care responsible for management of the client's apnea monitoring.

     (2) For each subsequent rental period, the client must continue to meet the clinical criteria in subsection (1) of this section and the vendor must obtain prior authorization from the medicaid agency.

     (3) Documentation of the result of the use of an apnea monitor must be kept in the client's record.

[]

     (a) The client is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using a clinical evaluation and a positive attended polysomnogram (PSG) performed in a sleep laboratory. Unattended home sleep studies do not meet the medicaid agency's clinical criteria for reimbursement; and

     (b) For clients thirteen years of age and older:

     (i) The client's polysomnogram demonstrates an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) greater than or equal to fifteen events per hour with a minimum of thirty events; or

     (ii) The client's polysomnogram demonstrates the AHI is greater than or equal to five and less than or equal to fourteen events per hour with a minimum of ten events with clinical documentation of:

     (A) Excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired cognition, mood disorders, or insomnia; or

     (B) Hypertension, ischemic heart disease, or history of stroke.

     (c) For clients twelve years of age and younger, the clinical criteria is considered met when there is a documented diagnosis of OSA and polysomnography demonstrates an apnea index (AI) or AHI equal to or greater than one and:

     (i) Adenotonsillectomy has been unsuccessful in relieving OSA; or

     (ii) Adenotonsillar tissue is minimal; or

     (iii) Adenotonsillectomy is inappropriate based on OSA being attributable to another underlying cause (e.g., craniofacial anomaly, obesity) or adenotonsillectomy is contraindicated; or

     (iv) Family does not wish to pursue surgical intervention.

     (2) If a client meets the criteria in subsection (1) of this section but a CPAP device has been tried and proven ineffective, the medicaid agency will cover a bi-level respiratory assist device (RAD) without the back-up rate. Ineffective, in this case, is defined as documented failure to meet therapeutic goals using a CPAP during the titration portion of a facility-based study or during home use despite optimal therapy (i.e., proper mask selection and fitting and appropriate pressure setting).

     (3) The AHI is calculated on the average number of events per hour. If the AHI is calculated based on less than two hours of sleep, the total number of recorded events used to calculate the AHI must be at least the number of events that would have been required in a two-hour period (i.e., must reach greater than or equal to thirty events without symptoms or greater than or equal to ten events with symptoms). The medicaid agency pays for an initial three-month rental period for CPAP devices.

     (4) The medicaid agency purchases a CPAP device after the three-month rental period when the following documentation of clinical benefit is recorded in the client's file:

     (a) A face-to-face clinical reevaluation of the client by the authorized prescriber which documents that symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are improved; and

     (b) A review of objective evidence by the authorized prescriber of the client's adherence to use of the CPAP device. Adherence is defined as use of the CPAP device greater than or equal to four hours per night on seventy percent of nights during a consecutive thirty-day period anytime during the first three months of initial usage.

     (5) The medicaid agency does not pay for a CPAP device when the client is diagnosed with upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS).

     (6) The medicaid agency pays for the purchase of a heated humidifier for a CPAP device, once every five years from the date the item was deemed purchased, per client.

     (7) Replacement of CPAP device.

     (a) The medicaid agency requires prior authorization for the replacement of a CPAP device if the client has had the device for less than five years.

     (b) After five years, the client must have a face-to-face evaluation with the treating authorized prescriber that documents that the client continues to use and benefit from the device. The medicaid agency does not require a new PSG (sleep test), trial period, or prior authorization.

     (c) Replacement supplies - The medicaid agency pays for replacement supplies for a CPAP device as follows:

     (i) Full face mask, limit one every six months;

     (ii) Face mask interface for full face mask, limit one every three months;

     (iii) Nasal interface (mask or cannula type), with or without head strap, limit one every six months;

     (iv) Cushion for use on nasal mask interface, limit one every three months;

     (v) Pillow for use on nasal cannula type interface, limit one pair every three months;

     (vi) Headgear, chin strap, and tubing with or without integrated heating element, limit one every six months;

     (vii) Filters - Disposable, limit two every thirty days;

     (viii) Filters - Nondisposable, limit one every six months; and

     (ix) Water chamber for humidifier, limit one every six months.

     (d) Prior authorization is required if the client does not meet the clinical criteria in this section or if the medicaid agency has purchased a bi-level respiratory assist device for the client within the last five years.

[]

     (a) Restrictive thoracic disorders (e.g., neuromuscular diseases or severe thoracic cage abnormalities); or

     (b) Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); or

     (c) Central sleep apnea or complex sleep apnea; or

     (d) Hypoventilation syndrome.

     (2) Restrictive thoracic disorders - The medicaid agency pays for, without prior authorization, a bi-level RAD either with or without the back-up rate feature, when all of the following clinical criteria are met:

     (a) The client has been diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)) or a severe thoracic cage abnormality (e.g., post-thoracoplasty for tuberculosis); and

     (b) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) does not contribute significantly to the individual's pulmonary limitation; and

     (c) One or more of the following criteria are met:

     (i) An arterial blood gas PaCO₂, done while awake and breathing the client's prescribed FIO₂ (fractionated inspired oxygen concentration) is greater than or equal to forty-five mm Hg; or

     (ii) Sleep oximetry demonstrates oxygen saturation less than or equal to eighty-eight percent for greater than or equal to five minutes of nocturnal recording time (minimum record time of two hours), done while breathing the client's prescribed recommended FIO₂; or

     (iii) For a neuromuscular disease (only), either of the following:

     (A) Maximal inspiratory pressure is less than sixty cm H₂O; or

     (B) Forced vital capacity is less than or equal to fifty percent predicted.

     (3) Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

     (a) The medicaid agency pays, without prior authorization, for a bi-level RAD, without the back-up rate feature, when all of the following clinical criteria are met:

     (i) An arterial blood gas PaCO₂, done while awake and breathing the client's prescribed FIO₂, is greater than or equal to fifty-two mm Hg; and

     (ii) Sleep oximetry demonstrates oxygen saturation less than or equal to eighty-eight percent for greater than or equal to five minutes of nocturnal recording time (minimum recording time of two hours), done while breathing oxygen at two LPM or the client's prescribed FIO₂, whichever is higher; and

     (iii) Prior to initiating therapy, obstructive sleep apnea and treatment with CPAP has been considered and ruled out.

     (b) The medicaid agency pays, without prior authorization, for a bi-level RAD, with the back-up rate feature, for clients with COPD who qualified for a bi-level RAD under (3)(a) of this section when:

     (i) Started any time after a period of initial use of the bi-level RAD without the back-up rate feature when both of the following clinical criteria are met:

     (A) An arterial blood gas PaCO₂, done while awake and breathing the client's prescribed FIO₂, shows that the client's PaCO₂ worsens greater than or equal to seven mm Hg compared to the original result from criterion in subsection (3)(a)(i) of this section; and

     (B) A facility-based PSG demonstrates oxygen saturation less than or equal to eighty-eight percent for greater than or equal to five minutes of nocturnal recording time (minimum recording time of two hours) while using a bi-level RAD without the back-up rate feature that is not caused by obstructive upper airway events, i.e., AHI less than five; or

     (ii) Started at a time no sooner than sixty-one days after initial issue of the bi-level RAD without the back-up rate feature, when both of the following clinical criteria are met:

     (A) An arterial blood gas PaCO₂ is done while awake and breathing the client's prescribed FIO₂, still remains greater than or equal to fifty-two mm Hg; and

     (B) Sleep oximetry while breathing with the bi-level RAD without back-up rate feature, demonstrates oxygen saturation less than or equal to eighty-eight percent for greater than or equal to five minutes of nocturnal recording time (minimum recording time of two hours), done while breathing oxygen at two LPM or the client's prescribed FIO₂, whichever is higher.

     (4) Central sleep apnea or complex sleep apnea (i.e., not due to airway obstruction). The medicaid agency pays for, without prior authorization, a bi-level RAD with or without the back-up rate feature, when the client's polysomnogram test reveal all of the following:

     (a) The diagnosis of central sleep apnea (CSA) or complex sleep apnea (CompSA);

     (b) Significant improvement of the sleep-associated hypoventilation with the use of a bi-level RAD with or without the back-up rate feature on the settings that will be prescribed for initial use at home, while breathing the client's prescribed FIO₂.

     (5) Hypoventilation syndrome.

     (a) The medicaid agency pays for, without prior authorization, a bi-level RAD without the back-up rate feature, when the clinical criteria in (a)(i) and (ii) of this subsection, or either (a)(iii) or (iv) of this subsection are met:

     (i) An initial arterial blood gas PaCO₂, done while awake and breathing the client's prescribed FIO₂, is greater than or equal to forty-five mm Hg; and

     (ii) Spirometry shows an FEV1/FVC greater or equal to seventy percent and an FEV1 greater than or equal to fifty percent of predicted; or

     (iii) An arterial blood gas PaCO₂, done during sleep or immediately upon awakening, and breathing the client's prescribed FIO₂, shows the client's PaCO₂ worsened greater than or equal to seven mm Hg compared to the original result in (a) of this subsection; or

     (iv) A facility-based PSG demonstrates oxygen saturation less than or equal to eighty-eight percent for greater than or equal to five continuous minutes of nocturnal recording time (minimum recording time of two hours) that is not caused by obstructive upper airway events, i.e., AHI less than five.

     (b) The medicaid agency pays for, without prior authorization, a bi-level RAD with the back-up rate feature, when the clinical criteria in (b)(i) and (ii) of this subsection, and either (b)(iii) or (iv) of this subsection are met:

     (i) A covered bi-level RAD without the back-up rate feature is being used; and

     (ii) Spirometry shows an FEV1/FVC greater than or equal to seventy percent and an FEV1 greater than or equal to fifty percent of predicted; and

     (iii) An arterial blood gas PaCO₂, done while awake and breathing the client's prescribed FIO₂, shows that the client's PaCO₂ worsens greater than or equal to seven mm Hg compared to the ABG result performed to qualify the client for the bi-level RAD without the back-up rate feature; or

     (iv) A facility-based PSG demonstrates oxygen saturation less than or equal to eighty-eight percent for greater than or equal to five continuous minutes of nocturnal recording time (minimum recording time of two hours) that is not caused by obstructive upper airway events, i.e., AHI less than five while using a bi-level RAD without the back-up rate feature.

     (6) For a bi-level RAD without the back-up rate feature, the medicaid agency pays as follows:

     (a) An initial three-month rental period. In accordance with medicare's guidelines, the medicaid agency requires a face-to-face clinical reevaluation of the client by the treating authorized prescriber, between day thirty-one and day ninety-one of the rental period, which documents the following in the client's file to continue rental:

     (i) The progress of the client's relevant symptoms; and

     (ii) The client's compliance with using the device.

     (b) Purchases after the requirements of (a) of this subsection are met.

     (7) For a bi-level RAD with the back-up rate feature used with:

     (a) An invasive interface, the medicaid agency pays for the rental only.

     (b) A noninvasive interface, the medicaid agency pays as follows:

     (i) An initial three-month rental period. In accordance with medicare's guidelines, the medicaid agency requires a face-to-face clinical reevaluation of the client by the treating authorized prescriber, between day thirty-one and day ninety-one of the rental period, which documents the following in the client's file to continue rental:

     (ii) The progress of the client's relevant symptoms; and

     (iii) The client's compliance with using the device.

     (iv) Purchase after a total of thirteen months of rental.

     (8) Prior authorization is required if the client does not meet the clinical criteria in this section or if the medicaid agency has purchased a CPAP device or other respiratory assist device for the client within the last five years.

     (9) Replacement of bi-level RAD. The medicaid agency's policy for replacement of a bi-level RAD is the same as for a CPAP device. See WAC 182-552-0400(6).

[]

     (1) Mechanical percussors. One per client, per lifetime;

     (2) Oscillatory positive expiratory pressure devices. One per client every one hundred and eighty days;

     (3) Positive expiratory pressure devices. Requires prior authorization (PA);

     (4) Cough stimulating device, alternating positive and negative airway pressure. Requires PA; and

     (5) High frequency chest wall oscillation air-pulse generator system. Requires PA.

[]

     (a) Small volume nebulizer and related compressor for the administration of inhalation drugs for:

     (i) The management of obstructive pulmonary disease;

     (ii) A client with cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis;

     (iii) A client with HIV, pneumocystosis, or complications of organ transplants; or

     (iv) Persistent, thick, or tenacious pulmonary secretions.

     (b) Large volume nebulizer and related compressor to deliver humidity to a client with thick, tenacious secretions and who has one or more of the following:

     (i) Cystic fibrosis;

     (ii) Bronchiectasis;

     (iii) A tracheostomy; or

     (iv) A tracheobronchial stent.

     (c) Filtered nebulizer when necessary to administer pentamidine to clients with HIV, pneumocystosis, or complications of organ transplants.

     (2) The medicaid agency limits payments, per client, as follows:

     (a) Compressor - One every five years. Requires thirteen months rental first. After thirteen months, the compressor is considered purchased.

     (b) Nebulizer with compressor - One every five years. Reimbursement includes instruction on the proper use and cleaning of the equipment.

     (3) The medicaid agency pays separately for medically necessary accessories as follows:

     (a) Administration set. Purchase only.

     (i) With small volume filtered or nonfiltered pneumatic nebulizer, disposable. Limited to one per client every thirty days.

     (ii) With small volume nonfiltered pneumatic nebulizer, nondisposable. Limited to one per client every six months.

     (b) Aerosol mask, used with nebulizer. Purchase only. Limited to one per client every thirty days.

     (c) Corrugated tubing, used with large volume nebulizer. Purchase only.

     (i) Disposable, limited to one unit (one hundred feet) per client every sixty days.

     (ii) Nondisposable, limited to one unit (ten feet) per client every twelve months.

     (d) Face tent. Purchase only. Limited to one per client every thirty days.

     (e) Filter. Purchase only.

     (i) Disposable, limited to two per client every thirty days.

     (ii) Nondisposable, limited to one per client every ninety days.

     (f) Large volume nebulizer, disposable, unfilled, used with aerosol compressor. Limited to ten per client every thirty days.

     (g) Small volume nonfiltered pneumatic nebulizer, disposable. Purchase only. Limited to two per client every thirty days.

     (h) Tracheostomy mask, each. Purchase only. Limited to four per client every thirty days.

     (i) Heated humidifier with temperature monitor and alarm for clients who have a tracheostomy but who are not ventilator dependent. Monthly rental only. Prior authorization is required.

     (j) Water collection device, used with large volume nebulizer. Purchase only. Limited to eight per client every thirty days.

     (k) Water, distilled, used with large volume nebulizer, 1000 ml. Limited to fifty units per client every thirty days.

     (l) Immersion external heater for a nebulizer. Purchase only. Prior authorization is required.

     (4) Providers must monitor the amount of supplies and accessories a client is actually using and assure that the client has nearly exhausted the supply on hand prior to dispensing any additional items.

     (5) The medicaid agency does not pay for a large volume nebulizer, related compressor/generator, and water or saline when used predominantly to provide room humidification.

[]

[]

     (1) The medicaid agency covers, without prior authorization, the rental of a stationary oxygen system and/or a portable oxygen system, as follows:

     (a) For clients, twenty years of age and younger, when prescribed by the client's treating practitioner; or

     (b) For clients, twenty-one years of age and older, when prescribed by a practitioner and the client meets medicare group I or group II clinical criteria as defined in WAC 182-552-005. Prior authorization is required for clients, twenty-one years of age and older, who do not meet medicare clinical criteria.

     (2) Oxygen and oxygen equipment - Capped rental:

     (a) Capped rental applies to in-home oxygen use by medical assistance clients only;

     (b) The medicaid agency's payment for stationary oxygen system equipment and/or portable oxygen system equipment is limited to thirty-six monthly rental payments. During the rental period, the medicaid agency's payment includes any supplies, accessories, oxygen contents, delivery and associated costs, instructions, maintenance, servicing, and repairs;

     (c) Oxygen systems are deemed capped rental (provider continues to own the equipment) after thirty-six months.

     (i) The supplier who provides the oxygen equipment for the first month must continue to provide any necessary oxygen equipment and related items and services through the thirty-six month rental period unless one of the exceptions in (e) of this subsection is met.

     (ii) The same provider is required to continue to provide the client with properly functioning oxygen equipment (including maintenance and repair), and associated supplies for the remaining twenty-four months of the equipment's reasonable useful lifetime (RUL).

     (iii) The same provider may bill the medicaid agency for oxygen contents, disposable supplies, and maintenance fees only. Maintenance fee payment is limited to one every six months.

     (d) At any time after the end of the five-year RUL for the oxygen equipment, the provider may replace the equipment, thus beginning a new thirty-six month rental period.

     (e) A thirty-six month rental period may restart in the following situations only. Providers must follow the medicaid agency's expedited prior authorization process, see WAC 182-552-1300, Respiratory care -- Authorization.

     (i) The initial provider is no longer providing oxygen equipment or services;

     (ii) The initial provider's core provider agreement with the medicaid agency is terminated or expires;

     (iii) The client moves to an area which is not part of the provider's service area (this applies to medicaid only clients);

     (iv) The client moves into a permanent residential setting; or

     (v) The pediatric client is transferred to an adult provider.

     (f) The medicaid agency may authorize a restart of the thirty-six month rental period when extenuating circumstances exist that result in a loss or destruction of oxygen equipment that occurred while the client was exercising reasonable care under the circumstances (e.g., fire, flood, etc.) (see WAC 182-501-0050(7)). Providers must obtain prior authorization from the medicaid agency.

     (3) Stationary oxygen systems/contents.

     (a) The medicaid agency pays a maximum of one rental payment for stationary oxygen systems including contents, per client, every thirty days. The medicaid agency considers a stationary oxygen system as one of the following:

     (i) Compressed gaseous oxygen;

     (ii) Stationary liquid oxygen; or

     (iii) A concentrator.

     (b) Contents only: The medicaid agency pays a maximum of one payment for stationary oxygen contents, per client, every thirty days, when the client owns the stationary oxygen system or the capped monthly rental period is met.

     (c) Maintenance: The medicaid agency pays for one maintenance fee of a stationary oxygen concentrator and oxygen transfilling equipment every six months only when the capped rental period is met or the client owns the stationary oxygen concentrator. The maintenance fee is fifty percent of the monthly rental rate.

     (4) Portable oxygen systems/oxygen contents:

     (a) The medicaid agency pays a maximum of one rental payment for portable oxygen systems including oxygen contents, per client, every thirty days. The medicaid agency considers a portable oxygen system to be either gas or liquid.

     (b) Contents only: The medicaid agency pays a maximum of one payment for portable oxygen contents, per client, every thirty days, when the client owns the portable oxygen system or when the capped monthly rental period is met.

     (c) Maintenance: The medicaid agency pays for one maintenance fee of a portable oxygen concentrator and oxygen transfilling equipment every six months only when the capped rental period is met or the client owns the portable oxygen concentrator. The maintenance fee is fifty percent of the monthly rental rate.

     (5) The medicaid agency does not pay for oxygen therapy and related services, equipment or supplies for clients twenty-one years of age and older, with, but not limited to, the following conditions:

     (a) Angina pectoris in the absence of hypoxemia;

     (b) Dyspnea without cor pulmonale or evidence of hypoxemia; and

     (c) Severe peripheral vascular disease resulting in clinically evident desaturation in one or more extremities but in the absence of systemic hypoxemia.

     (6) The medicaid agency does not pay separately for humidifiers with rented oxygen equipment. All accessories, such as humidifiers necessary for the effective use of oxygen equipment are included in the monthly rental payment.

     (7) The medicaid agency does not pay separately for spare tanks of oxygen and related supplies as backup or for travel.

     (8) The medicaid agency requires a valid prescription for oxygen in accordance with WAC 182-552-200. In addition, for both initial and ongoing prescriptions for the use of oxygen, the medicaid agency requires the following:

     (a) For clients who meet medicare's group I criteria (chronic oxygen clients):

     (i) A prescription for the initial twelve months or the authorized prescriber's specified length of need, whichever is shorter, and a renewed prescription at least every twelve months thereafter; and

     (ii) Documented verification, at least every twelve months, that oxygen saturations or lab values substantiate the need for continued oxygen use for each client. For ongoing coverage, the provider may perform the oxygen saturation measurements. The medicaid agency does not accept lifetime certificates of medical need (CMNs).

     (b) For clients who meet medicare's group II criteria (borderline oxygen clients):

     (i) A prescription for the initial three months or the authorized prescriber's specified length of need, whichever is shorter and a renewed prescription is required three months after the initial certification and annually thereafter.

     (ii) Verification that oxygen saturations or lab values substantiate the need for continued oxygen use must be documented in the client's file. For ongoing coverage, the provider may perform the oxygen saturation measurements. The medicaid agency does not accept lifetime CMNs.

     (9) The medicaid agency requires that documentation of oxygen saturation and lab values taken to substantiate the medical necessity of continued oxygen be kept in the client's record.

     (10) Oxygen supplies - Replacement. The medicaid agency pays for replacement oxygen supplies after the thirty-six month capped rental period or if the client owns the equipment as follows:

     (a) Nasal cannula, limited to two per client every thirty days;

     (b) Tubing (oxygen), limited to one replacement per client every thirty days; and

     (c) Variable concentration mask, limited to two per client every thirty days.

     (11) See WAC 182-552-1200, Respiratory care -- Noncovered services.

[]

     (a) One standard oximeter, per client, every twenty-four months; or

     (b) One enhanced oximeter, per client, every thirty-six months.

     (2) The medicaid agency covers the purchase of oximeters for clients seventeen years of age and younger, in the home, as follows:

     (a) When the client meets one of the following clinical criteria:

     (i) Has chronic lung disease and is on supplemental oxygen;

     (ii) Has a compromised or artificial airway; or

     (iii) Has chronic lung disease requiring ventilator or bi-level respiratory assist device; and

     (b) The following limitations apply:

     (i) One standard oximeter, per client, every twenty-four months, without prior authorization; or

     (ii) One enhanced oximeter, per client, every thirty-six months, with expedited prior authorization.

     (3) The medicaid agency pays for replacement supplies as follows:

     (a) Cables for enhanced oximeter only, limited to two per client per year. Prior authorization (PA) is required.

     (b) Probes.

     (i) Nondisposable, limited to one per client every one hundred eighty days.

     (ii) Disposable, limited to four per client every thirty days.

[]

     (2) The medicaid agency's monthly rental rate includes ventilator maintenance and accessories including, but not limited to, humidifiers, nebulizers, alarms, temperature probes, batteries, chargers, adapters, connectors, fittings, tubing, disposable circuits, and filters. The medicaid agency does not pay separately for ventilator accessories unless the client owns the ventilator system, see subsection (5) of this section.

     (3) Ventilators, equipment, and related disposable supplies must:

     (a) Be used exclusively by the client for whom it is requested;

     (b) Be FDA-approved; and

     (c) Not be included in any other reimbursement methodology such as, but not limited to, a diagnosis-related group (DRG).

     (4) The medicaid agency pays for a back-up (secondary) ventilator at fifty percent of the monthly rental rate when one or more of the following clinical criteria are met:

     (a) The client cannot maintain spontaneous ventilations for four or more consecutive hours;

     (b) The client lives in an area where a replacement ventilator cannot be provided within two hours;

     (c) The client requires mechanical ventilation during mobility as prescribed in their plan of care.

     (5) The medicaid agency pays for the purchase of the following replacement ventilator accessories only for client-owned ventilator systems:

     (a) Gel-cell battery charger - One every twenty-four months;

     (b) Gel-cel heavy-duty battery - One every twenty-four months;

     (c) Battery cables - Once every twenty-four months; and

     (d) Breathing circuits - Four every thirty days.

     (6) Pressure support ventilators.

     (a) For clients eighteen years of age and older, the medicaid agency requires prior authorization;

     (b) For clients seventeen years of age and younger, the medicaid agency requires expedited prior authorization (EPA).

     (i) The following criteria must be met in order to use the EPA process:

     (A) The client is currently using a pressure support ventilator;

     (B) The client must be able to take spontaneous breaths;

     (C) There must be an authorized prescriber's order for the pressure support setting; and

     (D) The client must be utilizing the ventilator in the pressure support mode.

     (ii) If the client has no clinical potential for weaning, the medicaid agency's EPA is valid for twelve months; or

     (iii) If the client has the potential to be weaned, then the medicaid agency's EPA is valid for six months;

     (iv) To continue using EPA after the valid time period has lapsed, a vendor must document in the client's file that the client continues to meet the EPA criteria for a pressure support ventilator.

[]

     (2) The medicaid agency pays for a maximum of two suction devices per client in a five-year period as follows:

     (a) The medicaid agency rents one primary suction device (stationary or portable) per client, for use in the home and one secondary suction device, per client, for backup or portability.

     (b) The medicaid agency considers the suction devices purchased after twelve months rental.

     (3) The medicaid agency pays for supplies for suction devices as follows:

     (a) Catheter - Closed system. Limit one per day per client.

     (b) Catheter - Any type other than closed system:

     (i) Clients eight years of age and older, one hundred fifty per client, every thirty days;

     (ii) Clients seven years of age and younger, three hundred per client, every thirty days.

     (c) Oropharyngeal suction catheter, limited to four per client every thirty days.

     (d) Canister - Disposable:

     (i) Limited to five per client every thirty days for primary suction device;

     (ii) Limited to five per client every thirty days for secondary suction device.

     (e) Canister - Nondisposable. Limited to one per client every twelve months.

     (f) Tubing. Limited to fifteen per client every thirty days.

[]

     (a) Emergency or stand-by oxygen systems;

     (b) Portable nebulizers;

     (c) Kits and concentrates for use in cleaning respiratory equipment;

     (d) Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation systems and related accessories;

     (e) Batteries for a CPAP;

     (f) Items or services which primarily serve as a convenience for the client or caregiver;

     (g) Oximetry checks;

     (h) Loaner equipment.

     (2) The medicaid agency evaluates a request for respiratory care listed as noncovered in this chapter under the provisions of WAC 182-501-0160.

[]

     (a) For prior authorization (PA), a provider must submit a written request to the medicaid agency as specified in the agency's published respiratory care medicaid provider guide.

     (b) For expedited prior authorization (EPA), a provider must document that the client has met the clinically appropriate EPA criteria outlined in the medicaid provider guide. The appropriate EPA number must be used when the provider bills the medicaid agency.

     (c) Upon request, a provider must provide documentation to the medicaid agency showing how the client's condition met the criteria for PA or EPA.

     (2) Authorization requirements in this chapter are not a denial of service.

     (3) When a service requires authorization, the provider must properly request authorization in accordance with the medicaid agency's rules, medicaid provider guides, and provider notices.

     (4) When authorization is not properly requested, the medicaid agency rejects and returns the request to the provider for further action. The medicaid agency does not consider the rejection of the request to be a denial of service.

     (5) The medicaid agency's authorization of service(s) does not necessarily guarantee payment.

     (6) The medicaid agency evaluates requests for authorization of covered respiratory care equipment and supplies that exceed limitations in this chapter on a case-by-case basis in accordance with WAC 182-501-0169.

     (7) The medicaid agency may recoup any payment made to a provider if the agency later determines that the service was not properly authorized or did not meet the EPA criteria. Refer to WAC 182-502-0100 (1)(c).

[]

     (2) All prior authorization requests must be accompanied by a completed General Information for Authorization form (HCA 13-835), in addition to any program specific medicaid agency forms as required within this chapter. Agency forms are available on-line at http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/mpforms.shtml.

     (3) When the medicaid agency receives the initial request for prior authorization, the prescription(s) for those items or services must not be older than three months from the date the agency receives the request.

     (4) The medicaid agency requires certain information from providers in order to prior authorize the purchase or rental of equipment. This information includes, but is not limited to, the following:

     (a) The manufacturer's name;

     (b) The equipment model; and

     (c) A detailed description of the item.

     (5) For prior authorization requests, the medicaid agency requires the prescribing provider to furnish client-specific justification for respiratory care. The medicaid agency does not accept general standards of care or industry standards for generalized equipment as justification.

     (6) The medicaid agency considers requests for new respiratory care that do not have assigned health care common procedure coding system (HCPCS) codes and are not listed in the agency's published issuances, including medicaid provider guides and provider notices. These items require prior authorization. The provider must furnish all of the following information to the medicaid agency to establish medical necessity:

     (a) A detailed description of the item(s) or service(s) to be provided;

     (b) The cost or charge for the item(s);

     (c) A copy of the manufacturer's invoice, price list or catalog with the product description for the item(s) being provided; and

     (d) A detailed explanation of how the requested item(s) differs from an already existing code description.

     (7) The medicaid agency does not pay for the purchase, rental, or repair of respiratory care equipment that duplicates equipment the client already owns or rents. If the provider believes the purchase, rental, or repair of respiratory care equipment is not duplicative, the provider must request prior authorization and submit the following to the medicaid agency:

     (a) Why the existing equipment no longer meets the client's medical needs; or

     (b) Why the existing equipment could not be repaired or modified to meet the client's medical needs; and

     (c) Upon request, documentation showing how the client's condition met the criteria for PA or EPA.

     (8) A provider may resubmit a request for prior authorization for an item or service that the medicaid agency has denied. The medicaid agency requires the provider to include new documentation that is relevant to the request.

[]

     (2) Certain covered items have limitations on quantity and frequency. These limits are designed to avoid the need for prior authorization for items normally considered medically necessary and for quantities sufficient for a thirty-day supply for one client.

     (3) The medicaid agency requires a provider to request prior authorization for a limitation extension (LE) in order to exceed the stated limits for respiratory care. All requests for prior authorization must be accompanied by a completed General Information for Authorization form (HCA 13-835) in addition to any program specific medicaid agency forms as required within this chapter. Agency forms are available on-line at http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/mpforms.shtml.

     (4) The medicaid agency evaluates such requests for LE under the provisions of WAC 182-501-0169.

[]

     (2) The medicaid agency requires a provider to create an authorization number for EPA for selected respiratory care procedure codes. The process and criteria used to create the authorization number is explained in the agency published respiratory care medicaid provider guide. The authorization number must be used when the provider bills the medicaid agency.

     (3) Upon request, a provider must provide documentation to the medicaid agency showing how the client's condition met the criteria for EPA.

     (4) A written request for prior authorization is required when a situation does not meet the EPA criteria for selected respiratory care procedure codes.

     (5) The medicaid agency may recoup any payment made to a provider under this section if the provider did not follow the EPA process and criteria.

[]

     (a) To medicaid agency-enrolled durable medical equipment (DME) providers, pharmacies, and home health agencies under their national provider identifier (NPI) numbers, subject to the limitations of this chapter, and according to the procedures and codes in the agency's current respiratory care medicaid provider guide; and

     (b) In accordance with the health care common procedure coding system (HCPCS) guidelines for product classification and code assignment.

     (2) The medicaid agency updates the maximum allowable fees for respiratory care at least once per year, unless otherwise directed by the legislature or unless deemed necessary by the agency.

     (3) The medicaid agency sets, evaluates, and updates the maximum allowable fees for respiratory care using available published information including, but not limited to:

     (a) Commercial data bases;

     (b) Manufacturer's catalogs;

     (c) Medicare fee schedules; and

     (d) Wholesale prices.

     (4) The medicaid agency may adopt policies, procedure codes, and/or rates that are inconsistent with those set by medicare if the agency determines that such actions are necessary.

     (5) The medicaid agency's maximum payment for respiratory care is the lesser of either of the following:

     (a) Provider's usual and customary charges; or

     (b) Established rates, except as provided in WAC 182-502-0110(3).

     (6) The medicaid agency is the payer of last resort for clients with medicare or third-party insurance.

     (7) The medicaid agency does not pay for respiratory care provided to a client who is enrolled in an agency-contracted managed care organization (MCO), but who did not use one of the MCO's participating providers.

     (8) The medicaid agency's reimbursement rate for covered oxygen and respiratory equipment and supplies includes all of the following:

     (a) Any adjustments or modifications to the equipment that are required within three months of the date of delivery or are covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This does not apply to adjustments required because of changes in the client's medical condition;

     (b) Any pick-up and/or delivery fees or associated costs (e.g., mileage, travel time, gas, etc.);

     (c) Telephone calls;

     (d) Shipping, handling, and/or postage;

     (e) Maintenance for rented equipment including, but not limited to, testing, cleaning, regulating, and assessing the client's equipment;

     (f) Fitting and/or setup; and

     (g) Instruction to the client or client's caregiver in the appropriate use of the respiratory care.

     (9) Respiratory care equipment, supplies, and related repairs and labor charges that are supplied to eligible clients under the following reimbursement methodologies are included in those methodologies and are not reimbursed under fee-for-service (FFS):

     (a) Hospice provider's per diem reimbursement;

     (b) Hospital's diagnosis-related group (DRG) reimbursement;

     (c) Managed care organization's capitation rate;

     (d) Skilled nursing facilities per diem rate; and

     (e) Professional service's resource-based relative value system reimbursement (RBRVS) rate.

     (10) The provider must make warranty information, including date of purchase, applicable serial number, model number or other unique identifier of the respiratory care equipment, and warranty period, available to the medicaid agency upon request.

     (11) The dispensing provider who furnishes respiratory care equipment or supplies to a client is responsible for any costs incurred to have a different provider repair the equipment when:

     (a) Any equipment or supply that the medicaid agency considers purchased requires repair during the applicable warranty period;

     (b) The provider refuses or is unable to fulfill the warranty; and

     (c) The respiratory care equipment or supply continues to be medically necessary.

     (12) If rental respiratory equipment or supplies must be replaced during the warranty period, the medicaid agency recoups fifty percent of the total amount previously paid toward rental and eventual purchase of the respiratory equipment or supply provided to the client if:

     (a) The provider is unwilling or unable to fulfill the warranty; and

     (b) The respiratory care equipment or supply continues to be medically necessary.

     (13) The medicaid agency does not reimburse for respiratory care equipment and supplies, or related repairs and labor charges under FFS when the client is any of the following:

     (a) An inpatient hospital client;

     (b) Terminally ill and receiving hospice care; or

     (c) Enrolled in a risk-based MCO that includes coverage for such items and/or services.

     (14) The medicaid agency rescinds any purchase order for a prescribed item if the equipment or supply was not supplied to the client before the client:

     (a) Dies;

     (b) Loses medical eligibility;

     (c) Becomes covered by a hospice agency; or

     (d) Becomes covered by an MCO.

     (15) See WAC 182-543-9100, 182-543-9200, 182-543-9300, and 182-543-9400 for other reimbursement methodologies.

[]

     (2) A provider must not bill the medicaid agency for the rental or purchase of equipment supplied to the provider at no cost by suppliers/manufacturers.

     (3) The medicaid agency purchases new equipment only.

     (a) A new item that is placed with a client initially as a rental item is considered a new item by the medicaid agency at the time of purchase.

     (b) A used item that is placed with a client initially as a rental item must be replaced by the supplier with a new item prior to purchase by the medicaid agency.

     (4) The medicaid agency requires a dispensing provider to ensure the item rented to a client is:

     (a) In good working order; and

     (b) Comparable to equipment the provider rents to individuals with similar medical equipment needs who are either private pay or who have other third-party coverage.

     (5) The medicaid agency's minimum rental period for covered respiratory care equipment and supplies is one day.

     (6) The medicaid agency's reimbursement amount for rented respiratory care equipment and supplies includes all of the following:

     (a) A full service warranty;

     (b) Cost of delivery to, or pick up from, the client's residence and, when appropriate, to and from the room in which the equipment will be used;

     (c) Fitting, setup, adjustments, and modifications;

     (d) Maintenance, repair and/or replacement, and cleaning of the equipment;

     (e) Instructions to the client and/or client's caregiver for safe and proper use of the equipment; and

     (f) All medically necessary accessories, contents, and disposable supplies, unless separately billable according to the agency's current respiratory care medicaid provider guide.

     (7) The medicaid agency considers some rented equipment to be purchased after twelve months' rental unless the equipment is restricted as rental only; this equipment is identified in the respiratory care medicaid provider guide.

     (8) Respiratory care equipment and supplies purchased by the medicaid agency for a client are the client's property, unless identified as capped rental items by the agency. Capped rental items are considered the property of the provider and are identified in the respiratory care medicaid provider guide.

     (9) The medicaid agency stops paying for any rented equipment effective the date of a client's death. The medicaid agency prorates monthly rentals as appropriate.

     (10) For a client who is eligible for both medicare and medicaid, the medicaid agency pays only the client's coinsurance and deductibles. The medicaid agency discontinues paying client's coinsurance and deductibles for rental equipment when either of the following applies:

     (a) The reimbursement amount reaches medicare's reimbursement cap for the equipment; or

     (b) Medicare considers the equipment purchased.

     (11) The medicaid agency does not obtain or pay for insurance coverage against liability, loss and/or damage to rental equipment that a provider supplies to a client.

     (12) The medicaid agency does not pay for:

     (a) Defective equipment;

     (b) The cost of materials covered under the manufacturer's warranty or administrative fees charged by the manufacturer to perform warranty or repair work; or

     (c) Repair or replacement of equipment as a result of the client's carelessness, negligence, recklessness, or misuse in accordance with WAC 182-501-0050(7). The medicaid agency may request documentation (e.g., police report, etc.) at its discretion.

     (13) Capped rental oxygen equipment and client-owned equipment:

     (a) Capped rental oxygen equipment is considered to have a reasonable useful lifetime of five years. The medicaid agency will pay for new equipment on capped rental items for eligible clients after five years of continuous use, at which point the capped rental period of thirty-six months will start again.

     (b) Equipment is considered to be client-owned if it is not identified as a capped rental item in the agency's respiratory care medicaid provider guide and if the medicaid agency has reached the maximum reimbursement for the item.

     (c) The agency pays for the repair of client-owned respiratory equipment with prior authorization. The age of the equipment is considered, and all of the following criteria must be met:

     (i) All warranties are expired;

     (ii) The cost of the repair is less than fifty percent of the cost of a new item and the provider has supporting documentation; and

     (iii) The repair has a warranty for a minimum of ninety days.

[]

     (a) The current medicare rate, as established by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), for a new purchase if a medicare rate is available;

     (b) A pricing cluster; or

     (c) On a by-report basis.

     (2) Establishing reimbursement rates for purchased respiratory care equipment and supplies based on pricing clusters.

     (a) A pricing cluster is based on a specific health care common procedure coding system (HCPCS) code.

     (b) The medicaid agency's pricing cluster is made up of all the brands/models for which the agency obtains pricing information. However, the medicaid agency may limit the number of brands/models included in the pricing cluster. The medicaid agency considers all of the following when establishing the pricing cluster:

     (i) A client's medical needs;

     (ii) Product quality;

     (iii) Introduction, substitution, or discontinuation of certain brands/models;

     (iv) Cost; and/or

     (v) Available alternatives.

     (c) When establishing the fee for purchased respiratory care equipment and supplies in a pricing cluster, the maximum allowable fee is the median amount of available manufacturer's list or suggested retail prices for all brands/models as noted in (b) of this subsection.

     (3) The medicaid agency evaluates items, procedures, and services billed using miscellaneous procedure codes, when an established code is not available, on a case-by-case basis for medical necessity, appropriateness, and reimbursement value. The medicaid agency calculates the purchase reimbursement rate for these items at eighty percent of the manufacturer's list or suggested retail price as of October thirty-first of the base year or the cost from the manufacturer's invoice.

     (4) The medicaid agency's maximum allowable fees for monthly rental are updated at least once yearly and are established using one of the following:

     (a) For items with a monthly rental rate on the current medicare fee schedule, as established by CMS, the medicaid agency equates its maximum allowable fee for monthly rental to the current medicare monthly rental rate;

     (b) For items that have a new purchase rate but no monthly rental rate on the current medicare fee schedule, as established by CMS, the medicaid agency sets the maximum allowable fee for monthly rental at one-tenth of the new purchase price of the current medicare rate; or

     (c) For items not included in the current medicare fee schedule, as established by CMS, the medicaid agency considers the maximum allowable monthly reimbursement rate as by-report. The medicaid agency calculates the monthly reimbursement rate for these items at one-tenth of eighty percent of the manufacturer's list or suggested retail price as of October thirty-first of the base year or one-tenth the cost from the manufacturer's invoice.

     (5) The medicaid agency's maximum allowable fees for daily rental are updated at least once yearly and are established using one of the following:

     (a) For items with a daily rental rate on the current medicare fee schedule, as established by CMS, the medicaid agency equates its maximum allowable fee for daily rental to the current medicare daily rental rate;

     (b) For items that have a new purchase rate but no daily rental rate on the current medicare fee schedule, as established by CMS, the medicaid agency sets the maximum allowable fee for daily rental at one three-hundredth of the new purchase price of the current medicare rate; or

     (c) For items not included in the current medicare fee schedule, as established by CMS, the medicaid agency considers the maximum allowable daily reimbursement rate as by-report. The medicaid agency calculates the daily reimbursement rate for these items at one three-hundredth of eighty percent of the manufacturer's list or suggested retail price as of October thirty-first of the base year or one three-hundredth of the cost from the manufacturer's invoice.

     (6) The medicaid agency, with prior authorization, will pay for repairs of client-owned equipment only. In addition to agency-specific forms identified in the respiratory care medicaid provider guide, all of the following requirements must be met in order to receive authorization and reimbursement for a repair of client-owned equipment:

     (a) The provider must submit a manufacturer pricing sheet showing manufacturer's list or suggested retail price (MSRP) or manufacturer invoice showing the cost of the repair identifying and itemizing the parts. The invoice must indicate the wholesale acquisition cost, the manufacturer's list or suggested retail price (MSRP) for all parts used in the repair for which reimbursement is being sought. Reimbursement for parts used in a repair will be:

     (i) Eighty percent of the manufacturer's list or suggested retail price as of October thirty-first of the base year; or

     (ii) The cost from the manufacturer's invoice.

     (b) Reimbursement for actual labor charges will be made according to the medicaid agency's current fee schedule. The provider must follow HCPCS coding guidelines and submit an authorization request accordingly with actual labor units identified and supported by documentation. Base labor charges or other administrative-like fees will not be reimbursed.

[]

     The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:

WAC 182-552-001	Scope.
WAC 182-552-005	Definitions.
WAC 182-552-100	Client eligibility.
WAC 182-552-200	Providers--General responsibilities.
WAC 182-552-210	Required records.
WAC 182-552-220	Requirements for oxygen providers.
WAC 182-552-230	Requirements for infant apnea monitors.
WAC 182-552-240	Requirements for respiratory care practitioners.
WAC 182-552-300	Coverage.
WAC 182-552-310	Coverage--Oxygen and oxygen equipment.
WAC 182-552-320	Coverage--Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and supplies.
WAC 182-552-330	Coverage--Ventilator therapy, equipment, and supplies.
WAC 182-552-340	Coverage--Infant apnea monitor program.
WAC 182-552-350	Coverage--Respiratory and ventilator therapy.
WAC 182-552-360	Coverage--Suction pumps and supplies.
WAC 182-552-370	Coverage--Inhalation drugs and solutions.
WAC 182-552-380	Coverage--Oximeters.
WAC 182-552-390	Coverage--Nursing facilities.
WAC 182-552-400	Reimbursement for covered services.
WAC 182-552-410	Reimbursement methods.
WAC 182-552-420	Reimbursement methodology.

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office