PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Aging and Adult Services Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: To establish in Title 388 WAC, a chapter that would contain methodologies and/or rates paid by the department for home and community services to Medicaid eligible individuals. In E2SHB 1908 enacted July 1, 1995, the legislature directed the department to establish by rule payment rates for home and community services that support cost-effective care.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.39A.030 (3)(a).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department pays home and community service providers with rates established in the 1970's and 1980's and subsequently revised only for inflation at the direction of the legislature. The department is conducting a review of rates paid to home and community service providers. The goals of the review are to develop methodologies to set and adjust the various home and community service rates. By July 1, 2001, the department will codify the reviewed home and community services rates, which include but are not limited to the following services: Assisted living, enhanced adult residential care, adult residential care, respite care, adult day health, adult day care, individual provider program, and adult family homes.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: HCFA.
Process for Developing New Rule: The department welcomes public participation in developing and reviewing methodologies for setting home and community services payment rates. Before filing the CR-102, notice of Proposed Rule Making, the department will schedule public meetings for discussion and input on the proposed methodologies. The department will be announcing the time, date, and location of these meetings through local public long-term care agencies, etc. If you would like to be personally notified regarding these meetings, please contact the staff person indicated below.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by sending comments to Patricia Hague, fax (360) 586-5923, e-mail HaguePE@dshs.wa.gov, or write to Patricia Hague at Home and Community Rates, P.O. Box 45819, Olympia, WA 98504-5819.
March 13, 2000
Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit