Subject of Possible Rule Making: Certificate of need (CN) review fees. The department of health (department) is considering rule amendments to update CN review fees. Updates to CN fees in WAC 246-310-990 may also consider changes to clarify and standardize language.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering amendments to sections of rule regarding CN application and review fees to address funding requirements. The fees collected by CN must cover the operational cost of the program, including performing reviews; providing technical assistance; conducting public hearings; defending appealed program and department decisions; rule development; and coordinating with state and local authorities. An update may be needed to adequately fund the program. RCW 43.70.250 requires that all program costs be fully borne by the members of the program. Changes to rules are the only way to make fee adjustments.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Heather Cantrell, P.O. Box 47850, Olympia, WA 98504-7850, phone 360-236-4637, TTY 711, email HSQAFeeRules@doh.wa.gov, website doh.wa.gov, https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new.

Additional comments: The department will use existing GovDelivery lists and other known contact information to inform interested parties of opportunities to provide input on proposed rule language. To find out more information about our rule making, visit www.doh.wa.gov. To subscribe to GovDelivery, please visit www.doh.wa.gov, and select the "Sign up for Updates From DOH" button at the bottom of the page. After signing in, please select the box labeled "Health Systems Quality Assurance." Next, select the box labeled "Community Health Systems," and then click "Certificate of Need" and any of the specific facility types or other subjects you are interested in.