Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The health care authority (HCA) plans to amend this section to include an exception to per diem rate calculations for psychiatric per diem rates. This aligns with the agency's state plan. During the course of this review, HCA may identify additional related 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: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services via state plan amendment, specifically 4.19-A, Part 1.

Process for Developing New Rule: The agency welcomes the public to take part in developing this rule. If interested, contact the person identified below to receive an early rule draft to review. After the early review, the agency will send a notice of proposed rule making (CR-102) to everyone receiving this notice and 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 Michael Williams, Rulemaking Questions, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-1346, fax 360-586-9727, telecommunication[s] relay service (TRS) 711, email michael.williams@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking; or Sarah Cook, Program Questions, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-1577, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email sarah.cook@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.