Subject of Possible Rule Making: New rules within chapter 182-531 WAC concerning applied behavioral analysis therapy and possibly other rules as appropriate.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 41.05.021.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The agency is working on new rules concerning coverage for applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders. The new rules will include, but not be limited to, prior authorization for services, evaluating and prescribing provider requirements, ABA provider requirements, and payment.

     During the course of this review, the agency may identify additional changes that are required in order to improve clarity or update policy.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Department of social and health services (DSHS). Health care authority (HCA) will forward to DSHS drafts of the rule for comment.

     Process for Developing New Rule: HCA welcomes the public to take part in developing the rules. Anyone interested should contact the staff person identified below. At a later date, HCA will file a notice of proposed rule making (CR-102) with the office of the code reviser. A copy of the proposal will be sent to everyone on the mailing list and to anyone who requests a copy.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jason R. P. Crabbe, Rules and Publications Program Manager, Health Care Authority, Legal and Administrative Services, P.O. Box 45504, Olympia, WA 98504-5504, fax (360) 586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail jason.crabbe@hca.wa.gov.

July 3, 2012

Kevin M. Sullivan

Rules Coordinator

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