PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

STATE BOARD OF HEALTH

[Filed November 27, 2018, 11:45 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-680 WAC, Prenatal tests—Congenital and heritable disorders.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.20.050, 48.21.244, 48.44.344, 48.46.375, and 70.54.220.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The current rule outlines screening and diagnostic tests that are considered to be medically necessary and are required to be included in benefits packages provided by insurers, health care service contractors, and health maintenance organizations. Prenatal screening and diagnostic testing can have a significant impact on pregnancies at risk for a genetic condition by enabling early diagnosis, providing an opportunity for appropriate health care, and empowering women and couples to make informed pregnancy related health decisions. Since the last rule update, national organizations such as the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Medical Genetics have put forward updated recommendations for prenatal screening and diagnostic testing. The state board of health (board), in consultation with the department of health, is considering updating chapter 246-680 WAC to bring Washington's rules into alignment with national standards of care and current best practices, as well as improving the clarity and usability of the rule.

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 board will use a collaborative rule-making process in developing the proposed rules.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Cori Tarzwell, P.O. Box 47855, Olympia, WA 98501, phone 360-236-3797, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email cori.tarzwell@doh.wa.gov; or Alexandra Montano, P.O. Box 47990, Olympia, WA 98504-7990, phone 360-236-4106, fax 360-236-4088, TTY 360-833-6388 or 711, email alexandra.montano@sboh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: If you would like to be added to the listserv for this rule making, email Alexandra.montano@sboh.wa.gov with the subject line "Prenatal Screening - Subscribe."