Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The health care authority (agency) is amending these rules to update when hospital safety net program assessment notices are sent from "on or about 30 calendar days prior" to "on or before 45 days" to align with RCW 74.60.030(1). The reference to RCW 74.60.030 (1)(a) will be updated to RCW 74.60.030(1) in WAC 182-550-8100(1). Additionally, the agency is adding language for settlement guidelines to include timelines, appeals, and exclusions, as well as a new section for assessment calculations. During this review, the agency may identify additional related changes that improve clarity or update policy.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

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 Blake O'Connor, Rule-making Questions, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-1344, fax 360-586-9727, telecommunication relay services (TRS) 711, email blake.oconnor@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking; or Abby Cole, Program Questions, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-1835, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email abby.cole@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.