6199-S2 AMS DECC ANDE 008

2SSB 6199 - S AMD - 023

    By Senator Deccio

                                                NOT ADOPTED 1/26/00

    On page 12, after line 32, strike all of (9) and insert the following:

    "(9) In adopting rules for this section, the department, to the extent consistent with Washington state law, shall align its standards with those of nationally recognized and impartial accreditation organizations, such as the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA) or other accrediting or certifying bodies recognized by the department to be competent in examining independent review entities, and shall provide for accelerated review of entities that are certified or accredited by such organizations. Refusal of certification by the department shall not be based solely on lack of accreditation or certification by NCQA or other accrediting bodies."

    Renumber the sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

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EFFECT: Allows the department of health to adopt rules if necessary for the standards for certification of independent review organizations. Requires the department to align its standards with those of national and impartial accrediting bodies. Provides for accelerated certification of IROs who are certified by national organizations. Prohibits DOH from refusing to certify IROs solely because they lack certification. Reduces the cost of the bill by not requiring rules that are not necessary. Focuses the department on the intent of the legislature, giving the department clear and specific direction as guidance in their rule making.