Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 06-21-067.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Part 2 of 4: New sections WAC 388-535-1084 Covered dental-related services for clients through age twenty -- Restorative services, 388-535-1086 Covered dental-related services for clients through age twenty -- Endodontic services, 388-535-1088 Covered dental-related services for clients through age twenty -- Periodontic services, and 388-535-1090 Covered dental-related services for clients through age twenty -- Prosthodontics (removable).

     Hearing Location(s): Blake Office Park East, Rose Room, 4500 10th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503 (one block north of the intersection of Pacific Avenue S.E. and Alhadeff Lane, behind Goodyear Tire. A map or directions are available at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/msa/rpau/docket.html or by calling (360) 664-6097), on January 9, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: Not earlier than January 10, 2007.

     Submit Written Comments to: DSHS Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504, delivery 4500 10th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, e-mail fernaax@dshs.wa.gov, fax (360) 664-6185, by 5:00 p.m. on January 9, 2007.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Stephanie Schiller, DSHS Rules Consultant, by January 5, 2007, TTY (360) 664-6178 or (360) 664-6097 or by e-mail at schilse@dshs.wa.gov.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The new sections clarify and update policies for dental-related services for clients though age twenty; ensure that department policies are applied correctly and equitably; replace the terms "medical assistance administration" and "MAA" with "the department"; update policy regarding prior authorization requirements; clarify policy on covered versus noncovered benefits; and clarify additional benefits and limitations associated with those services for clients through age twenty.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: To clarify new dental-related services covered and the limitations associated with those services; to make HRSA's rules regarding covered and noncovered dental-related services for clients through age twenty clearer and easier to understand for clients and dental providers; and to identify the requirements and criteria that must be met in order to obtain covered dental-related services.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.520.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.500, 74.09.520.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Department of social and health services, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Kathy Sayre, 626 8th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98504-5504, (360) 725-1342; Implementation and Enforcement: Dr. John Davis, 626 8th Avenue, Olympia, WA 98504-5504, (360) 725-1748.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rules do not create more than minor costs to small businesses.

     A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Dr. John Davis, P.O. Box 45506, Olympia, WA 98504-5506, phone (360) 725-1748, TYY/TDD 1-800-848-5429, fax (360) 586-1590, e-mail davisjd@dshs.wa.gov.

November 30, 2006

Andy Fernando, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

     (1) Restorative/operative procedures. The department covers restorative/operative procedures performed in a hospital or an ambulatory surgical center for:

     (a) Clients ages eight and younger;

     (b) Clients ages nine through twenty only on a case-by-case basis and when prior authorized; and

     (c) Clients of the division of developmental disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (2) Amalgam restorations for primary and permanent teeth. The department considers:

     (a) Tooth preparation, all adhesives (including amalgam bonding agents), liners, bases, and polishing as part of the amalgam restoration.

     (b) The occlusal adjustment of either the restored tooth or the opposing tooth or teeth as part of the amalgam restoration.

     (c) Buccal or lingual surface amalgam restorations, regardless of size or extension, as a one surface restoration. The department covers one buccal and one lingual surface per tooth.

     (d) Multiple amalgam restorations of fissures and grooves of the occlusal surface of the same tooth as a one surface restoration.

     (e) Amalgam restorations placed within six months of a crown preparation by the same provider or clinic to be included in the payment for the crown.

     (3) Amalgam restorations for primary posterior teeth only. The department:

     (a) Covers amalgam restorations for a maximum of two surfaces for a primary posterior tooth. (See subsection (9)(c) of this section for restorations for a primary posterior tooth requiring a three or more surface restoration.)

     (b) Does not pay for additional amalgam or composite restorations on the same tooth after two surfaces.

     (4) Amalgam restorations for permanent posterior teeth only. The department:

     (a) Covers two occlusal amalgam restorations for teeth one, two, three fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen, if the restorations are anatomically separated by sound tooth structure.

     (b) Covers amalgam restorations for a maximum of five surfaces per tooth for a permanent posterior tooth, once per client, per provider or clinic, in a two-year period.

     (c) Covers amalgam restorations for a maximum of six surfaces per tooth for teeth one, two, three, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen, once per client, per provider or clinic, in a two-year period (see (a) of this subsection).

     (d) Does not pay for replacement of amalgam restoration on permanent posterior teeth within a two-year period unless the restoration has an additional adjoining carious surface. The department pays for the replacement restoration as one multi-surface restoration. The client's record must include radiographs and documentation supporting the medical necessity for the replacement restoration.

     (5) Resin-based composite restorations for primary and permanent teeth. The department:

     (a) Considers tooth preparation, acid etching, all adhesives (including resin bonding agents), liners and bases, polishing, and curing as part of the resin-based composite restoration.

     (b) Considers the occlusal adjustment of either the restored tooth or the opposing tooth or teeth as part of the resin-based composite restoration.

     (c) Considers buccal or lingual surface resin-based composite restorations, regardless of size or extension, as a one surface restoration. The department covers only one buccal and one lingual surface per tooth.

     (d) Considers resin-based composite restorations of teeth where the decay does not penetrate the DEJ to be sealants (see WAC 388-535-1082(4) for sealants coverage).

     (e) Considers multiple preventive restorative resin, flowable composite resin, or resin-based composites for the occlusal, buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal fissures and grooves on the same tooth as a one surface restoration.

     (f) Does not cover preventive restorative resin or flowable composite resin on the interproximal surfaces (mesial and/or distal) when performed on posterior teeth or the incisal surface of anterior teeth.

     (g) Considers resin-based composite restorations placed within six months of a crown preparation by the same provider or clinic to be included in the payment for the crown.

     (6) Resin-based composite restorations for primary teeth only. The department covers:

     (a) Resin-based composite restorations for a maximum of three surfaces for a primary anterior tooth (see subsection (9)(b) of this section for restorations for a primary anterior tooth requiring a four or more surface restoration). The department does not pay for additional composite or amalgam restorations on the same tooth after three surfaces.

     (b) Resin-based composite restorations for a maximum of two surfaces for a primary posterior tooth (see subsection (9)(c) of this subsection for restorations for a primary posterior tooth requiring a three or more surface restoration). The department does not pay for additional composite or amalgam restorations on the same tooth after two surfaces.

     (c) Glass ionimer restorations only for primary teeth, and only for clients ages four and younger. The department pays for these restorations as a one surface resin-based composite restoration.

     (7) Resin-based composite restorations for permanent teeth only. The department covers:

     (a) Two occlusal resin-based composite restorations for teeth one, two, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen if the restorations are anatomically separated by sound tooth structure.

     (b) Resin-based composite restorations for a maximum of five surfaces per tooth for a permanent posterior tooth, once per client, per provider or clinic, in a two-year period.

     (c) Resin-based composite restorations for a maximum of six surfaces per tooth for permanent posterior teeth one, two, three, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen, once per client, per provider or clinic, in a two-year period (see (a) of this subsection).

     (d) Resin-based composite restorations for a maximum of six surfaces per tooth for a permanent anterior tooth, once per client, per provider or clinic, in a two-year period.

     (e) Replacement of resin-based composite restoration on permanent teeth within a two-year period only if the restoration has an additional adjoining carious surface. The department pays the replacement restoration as a one multi-surface restoration. The client's record must include radiographs and documentation supporting the medical necessity for the replacement restoration.

     (8) Crowns. The department:

     (a) Covers the following crowns once every five years, per tooth, for permanent anterior teeth for clients ages twelve through twenty when the crowns meet prior authorization criteria in WAC 388-535-1220 and the provider follows the prior authorization requirements in (d) of this subsection:

     (i) Porcelain/ceramic crowns to include all porcelains, glasses, glass-ceramic, and porcelain fused to metal crowns; and

     (ii) Resin crowns and resin metal crowns to include any resin-based composite, fiber, or ceramic reinforced polymer compound.

     (b) Covers full coverage metal crowns once every five years, per tooth, for permanent posterior teeth to include high noble, titanium, titanium alloys, noble, and predominantly base metal crowns for clients ages eighteen through twenty when they meet prior authorization criteria and the provider follows the prior authorization requirements in (d) and (e) of this subsection.

     (c) Considers the following to be included in the payment for a crown:

     (i) Tooth and soft tissue preparation;

     (ii) Amalgam and resin-based composite restoration, or any other restorative material placed within six months of the crown preparation. Exception: The department covers a one surface restoration on an endodontically treated tooth, or a core buildup or cast post and core;

     (iii) Temporaries, including but not limited to, temporary restoration, temporary crown, provisional crown, temporary prefabricated stainless steel crown, ion crown, or acrylic crown;

     (iv) Packing cord placement and removal;

     (v) Diagnostic or final impressions;

     (vi) Crown seating, including cementing and insulating bases;

     (vii) Occlusal adjustment of crown or opposing tooth or teeth; and

     (viii) Local anesthesia.

     (d) Requires the provider to submit the following with each prior authorization request:

     (i) Radiographs to assess all remaining teeth;

     (ii) Documentation and identification of all missing teeth;

     (iii) Caries diagnosis and treatment plan for all remaining teeth, including a caries control plan for clients with rampant caries;

     (iv) Pre- and post-endodontic treatment radiographs for requests on endodontically treated teeth; and

     (v) Documentation supporting a five-year prognosis that the client will retain the tooth or crown if the tooth is crowned.

     (e) Requires a provider to bill for a crown only after delivery and seating of the crown, not at the impression date.

     (9) Other restorative services. The department covers:

     (a) All recementations of permanent indirect crowns.

     (b) Prefabricated stainless steel crowns with resin window, resin-based composite crowns, prefabricated esthetic coated stainless steel crowns, and fabricated resin crowns for primary anterior teeth once every three years without prior authorization if the tooth requires a four or more surface restoration.

     (c) Prefabricated stainless steel crowns for primary posterior teeth once every three years without prior authorization if decay involves three or more surfaces, or if the tooth had a pulpotomy.

     (d) Prefabricated stainless steel crowns for permanent posterior teeth once every three years when prior authorized.

     (e) Prefabricated stainless steel crowns for clients of the division of developmental disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (f) Core buildup, including pins, only on permanent teeth, when prior authorized at the same time as the crown prior authorization.

     (g) Cast post and core or prefabricated post and core, only on permanent teeth, when prior authorized at the same time as the crown prior authorization.

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     (1) Pulp capping. The department considers pulp capping to be included in the payment for the restoration.

     (2) Pulpotomy. The department covers:

     (a) Therapeutic pulpotomy on primary posterior teeth only; and

     (b) Pulpal debridement on permanent teeth only, excluding teeth one, sixteen, seventeen, and thirty-two. The department does not pay for pulpal debridement when performed with palliative treatment of dental pain or when performed on the same day as endodontic treatment.

     (3) Endodontic treatment. The department:

     (a) Covers endodontic treatment with resorbable material for primary maxillary incisor teeth D, E, F, and G, if the entire root is present at treatment.

     (b) Covers endodontic treatment for permanent anterior, bicuspid, and molar teeth, excluding teeth one, sixteen, seventeen, and thirty-two.

     (c) Considers the following included in endodontic treatment:

     (i) Pulpectomy when part of root canal therapy;

     (ii) All procedures necessary to complete treatment; and

     (iii) All intra-operative and final evaluation radiographs for the endodontic procedure.

     (d) Pays separately for the following services that are related to the endodontic treatment:

     (i) Initial diagnostic evaluation;

     (ii) Initial diagnostic radiographs; and

     (iii) Post treatment evaluation radiographs if taken at least three months after treatment.

     (e) Requires prior authorization for endodontic retreatment and considers endodontic retreatment to include:

     (i) The removal of post(s), pin(s), old root canal filling material, and all procedures necessary to prepare the canals;

     (ii) Placement of new filling material; and

     (iii) Retreatment for permanent anterior, bicuspid, and molar teeth, excluding teeth one, sixteen, seventeen, and thirty-two.

     (f) Pays separately for the following services that are related to the endodontic retreatment:

     (i) Initial diagnostic evaluation;

     (ii) Initial diagnostic radiographs; and

     (iii) Post treatment evaluation radiographs if taken at least three months after treatment.

     (g) Does not pay for endodontic retreatment when provided by the original treating provider or clinic unless prior authorized by the department.

     (h) Covers apexification for apical closures for anterior permanent teeth only on a case-by-case basis and when prior authorized. Apexification is limited to the initial visit and three interim treatment visits.

     (i) Covers apicoectomy and a retrograde fill for anterior teeth only.

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     (1) Surgical periodontal services. The department covers the following surgical periodontal services, including all postoperative care:

     (a) Gingivectomy/gingivoplasty only on a case-by-case basis and when prior authorized; and

     (b) Gingivectomy/gingivoplasty for clients of the division of developmental disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (2) Nonsurgical periodontal services. The department:

     (a) Covers periodontal scaling and root planing once per quadrant, per client in a two-year period on a case-by-case basis, when prior authorized for clients ages thirteen through eighteen, and only when:

     (i) The client has radiographic evidence of periodontal disease;

     (ii) The client's record includes supporting documentation for the medical necessity, including complete periodontal charting and a definitive diagnosis of periodontal disease;

     (iii) The client's clinical condition meets current published periodontal guidelines; and

     (iv) Performed at least two years from the date of completion of periodontal scaling and root planing or surgical periodontal treatment.

     (b) Covers periodontal scaling and root planing once per quadrant, per client, in a two-year period for clients ages nineteen through twenty. Criteria in (a)(i) through (iv) of this subsection must be met.

     (c) Considers ultrasonic scaling, gross scaling, or gross debridement to be included in the procedure and not a substitution for periodontal scaling and root planing.

     (d) Covers periodontal scaling and root planing only when the services are not performed on the same date of service as prophylaxis, periodontal maintenance, gingivectomy, or gingivoplasty.

     (e) Covers periodontal scaling and root planing for clients of the division of developmental disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

     (3) Other periodontal services. The department:

     (a) Covers periodontal maintenance once per client in a twelve-month period on a case-by-case basis, when prior authorized, for clients ages thirteen through eighteen, and only when:

     (i) The client has radiographic evidence of periodontal disease;

     (ii) The client's record includes supporting documentation for the medical necessity, including complete periodontal charting and a definitive diagnosis of periodontal disease;

     (iii) The client's clinical condition meets current published periodontal guidelines; and

     (iv) Performed at least twelve months from the date of completion of periodontal scaling and root planing, or surgical periodontal treatment.

     (b) Covers periodontal maintenance once per client in a twelve month period for clients ages nineteen through twenty. Criteria in (a)(i) through (iv) of this subsection must be met.

     (c) Covers periodontal maintenance only if performed on a different date of service as prophylaxis, periodontal scaling and root planing, gingivectomy, or gingivoplasty.

     (d) Covers periodontal maintenance for clients of the division of developmental disabilities according to WAC 388-535-1099.

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     (1) Prosthodontics. The department:

     (a) Requires prior authorization for all removable prosthodontic and prosthodontic-related procedures, except as stated in (c)(ii)(B) of this subsection. Prior authorization requests must meet the criteria in WAC 388-535-1220. In addition, the department requires the dental provider to submit:

     (i) Appropriate and diagnostic radiographs of all remaining teeth.

     (ii) A dental record which identifies:

     (A) All missing teeth for both arches;

     (B) Teeth that are to be extracted; and

     (C) Dental and periodontal services completed on all remaining teeth.

     (iii) A prescription written by a dentist when a denturist's prior authorization request is for an immediate denture or a cast metal partial denture.

     (b) Covers complete dentures, as follows:

     (i) A complete denture, including an immediate denture or overdenture, is covered when prior authorized.

     (ii) Three-month post-delivery care (e.g., adjustments, soft relines, and repairs) from the seat date of the complete denture, is considered part of the complete denture procedure and is not paid separately.

     (iii) Replacement of an immediate denture with a complete denture is covered if the complete denture is prior authorized at least six months after the seat date of the immediate denture.

     (iv) Replacement of a complete denture or overdenture is covered only if prior authorized at least five years after the seat date of the complete denture or overdenture being replaced. The replacement denture must be prior authorized.

     (c) Covers partial dentures, as follows:

     (i) A partial denture, including a resin or flexible base partial denture, is covered for anterior and posterior teeth when the partial denture meets the following department coverage criteria.

     (A) The remaining teeth in the arch must have a reasonable periodontal diagnosis and prognosis;

     (B) The client has established caries control;

     (C) One or more anterior teeth are missing or four or more posterior teeth are missing;

     (D) There is a minimum of four stable teeth remaining per arch; and

     (E) There is a three-year prognosis for retention of the remaining teeth.

     (ii) Prior authorization of partial dentures:

     (A) Is required for clients ages nine and younger; and

     (B) Not required for clients ages ten through twenty. Documentation supporting the medical necessity for the service must be included in the client's file.

     (iii) Three-month post-delivery care (e.g., adjustments, soft relines, and repairs) from the seat date of the partial denture, is considered part of the partial denture procedure and is not paid separately.

     (iv) Replacement of a resin or flexible base denture is covered only if prior authorized at least three years after the seat date of the resin or flexible base partial denture being replaced. The replacement denture must be prior authorized and meet department coverage criteria in (c)(i) of this subsection.

     (d) Covers cast-metal framework partial dentures, as follows:

     (i) Cast-metal framework with resin-based partial dentures, including any conventional clasps, rests, and teeth, are covered for clients ages eighteen through twenty only once in a five-year period, on a case-by-case basis, when prior authorized and department coverage criteria listed in subsection (d)(v) of this subsection are met.

     (ii) Cast-metal framework partial dentures for clients ages seventeen and younger are not covered.

     (iii) Three-month post-delivery care (e.g., adjustments, soft relines, and repairs) from the seat date of the cast metal partial denture is considered part of the partial denture procedure and is not paid separately.

     (iv) Replacement of a cast metal framework partial denture is covered on a case-by-case basis and only if placed at least five years after the seat date of the partial denture being replaced. The replacement denture must be prior authorized and meet department coverage criteria listed in (d)(v) of this subsection.

     (v) Department authorization and payment for cast metal framework partial dentures is based on the following criteria:

     (A) The remaining teeth in the arch must have a stable periodontal diagnosis and prognosis;

     (B) The client has established caries control;

     (C) All restorative and periodontal procedures must be completed before the request for prior authorization is submitted;

     (D) There are fewer than eight posterior teeth in occlusion;

     (E) There is a minimum of four stable teeth remaining per arch; and

     (F) There is a five-year prognosis for the retention of the remaining teeth.

     (vi) The department may consider resin partial dentures as an alternative if the department determines the criteria for cast metal framework partial dentures listed in (d)(v) of this subsection are not met.

     (e) Requires a provider to bill for removable prosthetic procedures only after the seating of the prosthesis, not at the impression date. Refer to subsection (2)(e) and (f) for what the department may pay if the removable prosthesis is not delivered and inserted.

     (f) Requires a provider to submit the following with a prior authorization request for removable prosthetics for a client residing in a nursing home, group home, or other facility:

     (i) The client's medical diagnosis or prognosis;

     (ii) The attending physician's request for prosthetic services;

     (iii) The attending dentist's or denturist's statement documenting medical necessity;

     (iv) A written and signed consent for treatment from the client's legal guardian when a guardian has been appointed; and

     (v) A completed copy of the Denture/Partial Appliance Request for Skilled Nursing Facility Client form (DSHS 13-788) available from the department's published billing instructions.

     (g) Limits removable partial dentures to resin-based partial dentures for all clients residing in one of the facilities listed in (f) of this subsection. The department may consider cast metal partial dentures if the criteria in subsection (1)(d) are met.

     (h) Requires a provider to deliver services and procedures that are of acceptable quality to the department. The department may recoup payment for services that are determined to be below the standard of care or of an unacceptable product quality.

     (2) Other services for removable prosthodontics. The department covers:

     (a) Adjustments to complete and partial dentures three months after the date of delivery.

     (b) Repairs to complete and partial dentures, once in a twelve month period. The department covers additional repairs on a case-by-case basis and when prior authorized.

     (c) A laboratory reline or rebase to a complete or cast-metal partial denture, once in a three-year period when performed at least six months after the seating date. An additional reline or rebase may be covered for complete or cast-metal partial dentures on a case-by-case basis when prior authorized.

     (d) Up to two tissue conditionings, and only when performed within three months after the seating date.

     (e) Laboratory fees, subject to the following:

     (i) The department does not pay separately for laboratory or professional fees for complete and partial dentures; and

     (ii) The department may pay part of billed laboratory fees when the provider obtains prior authorization, and the client:

     (A) Is not eligible at the time of delivery of the prosthesis;

     (B) Moves from the state;

     (C) Cannot be located;

     (D) Does not participate in completing the complete, immediate, or partial dentures; or

     (E) Dies.

     (f) A provider must submit copies of laboratory prescriptions and receipts or invoices for each claim when billing for laboratory fees.

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