WSR 97-20-154

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

[Filed October 1, 1997, 11:40 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Acquisitions of nonprofit hospitals or public hospital district hospitals. The proposed rules intend to clarify the purpose and intent of the statute and to provide details concerning process.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 332, Laws of 1997.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rules may provide potential participants, those acquiring and selling assets, and communities affected in particular, with information beyond what is provided in statute, thereby making participation more efficient and effective. The proposed rules intend to clarify, and provide detail to, the statute.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Attorney General's Office and Secretary of State's Office.

Process for Developing New Rule: The program will work with the industry and other interested parties to develop the rules. At least one or two public hearings will be held.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Stephen A. Boruchowitz, Washington State Department of Health, P.O. Box 47851, Olympia, WA 98504-7851, (360) 753-0719, FAX (360) 664-0398.

September 29, 1997

Bruce Miyahara