PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Medical Assistance Administration)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amending WAC 388-543-2800 Reusable and disposable medical supplies; new section WAC 388-543-1150 Limits and limitation extensions; and other related rules in chapter 388-543 WAC.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.530.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is establishing a new section in chapter 388-543 WAC (WAC 388-543-1150) to list non-DME (MSE) and durable medical equipment (DME) and related supplies, prosthetics, orthotics, medical supplies, and related services that have limitations on amount, frequency, or duration. The new section states the limitations and how to request additional services, supplies, or equipment beyond those stated limitations. The rules are necessary in order to agree with recently changed Medicare guidelines, to assist in utilization reviews, and to prevent the inappropriate use of these items, which will in turn contribute toward the department maintaining fiscal responsibility.
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 department invites the interested public to review and provide input on the draft language of the proposed WAC. Draft material and information about how to participate may be obtained by contacting the person listed below.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Ann Myers, Regulatory Improvement, Medical Assistance Administration, P.O. Box 45533, Olympia, WA 98504-5533, phone (360) 725-1345, fax (360) 586-9727, e-mail myersea@dshs.wa.gov.
Bonita H. Jacques, Chief
Office of Legal Affairs