Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amending chapter 388-534 WAC, Early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment (EPSDT).

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090, 74.04.050, 74.04.055, 74.04.057, 42 C.F.R., Part 441, Subpart B.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is planning to amend chapter 388-534 WAC to update program rules to reflect current policy. The department is also planning to implement a time-limited program to encourage providers to increase the number of foster care children who receive EPSDT screenings and, if necessary, subsequent referrals for treatment. To this end, through June 2003, providers may receive an enhanced payment for providing EPSDT screenings to children in foster care; rules are being developed to implement this program.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department is coordinating with the Department of Health in the development of these rules.

     Process for Developing New Rule: The department invites the interested public to review and provide input on the draft language of this WAC. Draft material and information about how to participate may be obtained from the department representative 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, Medical Assistance Administration, Rules and Publications, P.O. Box 45533, Olympia, WA 98504-5533, phone (360) 725-1345, fax (360) 586-9727, e-mail myersea@dshs.wa.gov.

September 25, 2001

Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

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