PROPOSED RULES
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Medical Assistance Administration)
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 96-07-045.
Title of Rule: New chapter 388-531 WAC, Physician-related services; and repealing WAC 388-86-011 Advanced registered nurse practitioners, 388-86-055 Laboratory services, 388-86-095 Physician services, 388-86-09601 Podiatric services, 388-86-110 X-ray services, 388-87-0075 Payment -- Laboratory services, and 388-87-095 Payment -- Physician services.
Purpose: The department is establishing a new chapter for rules pertaining to physician-related services. To avoid duplication, related rules in chapters 388-86 and 388-87 WAC are proposed for repeal.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.520.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.520.
Summary: The department is establishing a new chapter for rules pertaining to physician-related services. To avoid duplication, related rules in chapters 388-86 and 388-87 WAC are proposed for repeal.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: To consolidate physician-related services rules in one chapter. To add payment methodology to various physician-related service rules. To comply with the Governor's Executive Order 97-02.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Ann Myers, DPS/RIP, P.O. Box 45533, Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 725-1345; Implementation and Enforcement: Dave Cundiff M.D., P.O. Box 45500, Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 725-1500.
Name of Proponent: Department of Social and Health Services, Medical Assistance Administration, governmental.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The proposed rule will consolidate physician-related services rules into one chapter. It also puts payment methodology into rule. As new and existing rules are consolidated into the new chapter, they have been reviewed and written to meet the clear-language guidelines in the Governor's Executive Order 97-02.
The purpose of this action is to move physician-related services into one chapter, and to state those rules in clear, understandable language. This contributes to better understanding and easier usage by both department staff and providers.
The anticipated effects are to make the rules easier to find and to understand.
Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: The proposal repeals rules listed above and restates those policies in the new chapter.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The department has analyzed the proposed rules and concludes that, since the rules reflect no change in current policy, no new costs will [be] imposed on the small businesses affected by them.
RCW 34.05.328 applies to this rule adoption. The department has analyzed the proposed rules and determined that they meet the definition of a "significant legislative rule." An analysis of the probable costs and benefits is available from the person listed above.
Hearing Location: Lacey Government Center (behind Tokyo Bento Restaurant), 1009 College Street S.E., Room 104-B, Lacey, WA 98503, on August 8, 2000, at 10:00 a.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Fred Swenson by July 28, 2000, phone (360) 664-6097, TTY (360) 664-6178, e-mail swensfh@dshs.wa.gov.
Submit Written Comments to: Identify WAC Numbers, DSHS Rules Coordinator, Rules and Policies Assistance Unit, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504-5850, fax (360) 664-6185, by August 8, 2000.
Date of Intended Adoption: August 9, 2000.
June 1, 2000
Marie Myerchin-Redifer, Manager
Rules and Policies Assistance Unit
Reviser's note: The material contained in this filing exceeded the page-count limitations of WAC 1-21-040 for appearance in this issue of the Register. It will appear in the 00-14 issue of the Register.