Description: The Washington state legislature recently passed ESSB 5092 directing the health care authority (HCA) to implement changes to the inpatient psychiatric per diem rate for hospitals licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW as free-standing psychiatric hospitals providing long-term civil commitment services. ESSB establishes a basic per diem rate and allows for adjustments to capture costs not otherwise reimbursed, based on supporting data. To implement ESSB 5092, HCA intends to file SPA 21-0017.

Rates are determined on a hospital-by-hospital basis; therefore, rates may increase based on the supplemental information provided by each hospital.

SPA 21-0017 is under development. HCA would appreciate any input or concerns regarding this SPA. To request a copy of the SPA when it becomes available or submit comments, please contact the person named below (please note that all comments are subject to public review and disclosure, as are the names of those who comment).

Contact Sarah Cook, Hospital Program and Rates, 626 8th Avenue S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, TRS (TDD/TTY) 711, email sarah.cook@hca.wa.gov.