Subject of Possible Rule Making: Pharmacy services, chapter 388-530 WAC, MAA is revising its reimbursement policy sections to ensure they are consistent with program policy; also adding a new reimbursement methodology to address problems in obtaining necessary rate-setting data; and adding language to comply with new federal requirements regarding billing units.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.09.080, 74.04.050 and, for the new billing standard requirement, 42 C.F.R. Subpart K, subsection 162.1102.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To incorporate a federally required billing standard in agency reimbursement rules; to clarify and improve reimbursement methodology language; to ensure payments reflect program intent; to correct program policy to address problems in obtaining necessary rate-setting data; to ensure program policy and payment policy are consistent; and to add a new reimbursement methodology.

     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 this WAC. Draft material and information about how to participate are available by contacting the DSHS representative identified below.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting L. Mike Freeman, Rules and Publications Program Manager, Medical Assistance Administration, P.O. Box 45533, Olympia, WA 98504-5533, phone (360) 725-1350, e-mail freemlm@dshs.wa.gov.

January 17, 2002

Bonnie H. Jacques

for Brian H. Lindgren, Manager

Rules and Policies Assistance Unit

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