WSR 26-08-067
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY
[Filed March 30, 2026, 8:47 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 182-533-0600 Planned home births and births in birthing centers; other related rules as appropriate.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW
41.05.021 and
41.05.160.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The health care authority (agency) is revising this rule to allow licensed midwives to be paid for providing routine newborn services during the first two weeks of life under apple health. 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: None.
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 Melinda Froud, Rule-making Questions, P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-1408, fax 360-586-9727, telecommunication relay services (TRS) 711, email melinda.froud@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking; or Beth Tinker, Program Questions, P.O. Box 45502, Olympia, WA 98504-5502, phone 360-725-1047, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email beth.tinker@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.
March 30, 2026
Wendy Barcus
Rules Coordinator