WASHINGTON STATE REGISTER

WSR 09-04-073

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Health and Recovery Services Administration)

[ Filed February 2, 2009, 4:55 p.m. ]

аааааSubject of Possible Rule Making: The department is amending WAC 388-546-5000 through 388-546-5400, nonemergency transportation services; and other related rules as appropriate.

аааааStatutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.04.057, 74.08.090, 74.09.500.

аааааReasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: It is necessary to amend rules regarding nonemergency transportation for clients to and from their medically necessary covered medical services. Changes include:

Х Update cross references to federal and state rule;

Х Rearrange and rename subsections;

Х Add and amend nonemergency transportation definitions;

Х Correct typographical errors;

Х Clarify and amend language for: Rules about noncompliant clients; continuity of care rules; rules about local provider of type; covered and noncovered services; selection and mode of client transportation; prior authorization requirements and limitations for meals and lodging; and prior authorization requirements for transportation;

Х Update client requirements for transportation and/or reimbursement;

Х Apply local provider-of-type rules to managed care enrollees; and

Х Modify rules due to changes of federal and state funding.

аааааOther Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

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

аааааInterested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jonell O. Blatt, Rules Program Manager, Health and Recovery Services Administration, P.O. Box 45504, Olympia, WA 98504-5504, phone (360) 725-1571, fax (360) 586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail blattj@dshs.wa.gov.

February 2, 2009

Stephanie E. Schiller

Rules Coordinator

Х	Update cross references to federal and state rule;
Х	Rearrange and rename subsections;
Х	Add and amend nonemergency transportation definitions;
Х	Correct typographical errors;
Х	Clarify and amend language for: Rules about noncompliant clients; continuity of care rules; rules about local provider of type; covered and noncovered services; selection and mode of client transportation; prior authorization requirements and limitations for meals and lodging; and prior authorization requirements for transportation;
Х	Update client requirements for transportation and/or reimbursement;
Х	Apply local provider-of-type rules to managed care enrollees; and
Х	Modify rules due to changes of federal and state funding.

й Washington State Code Reviser's Office