WSR 07-08-108

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Health and Recovery Services Administration)

[ Filed April 4, 2007, 9:17 a.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 06-22-054.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 388-550-1050 Hospital services definitions.

     Hearing Location(s): Blake Office Park East, Rose Room, 4500 10th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503 (one block north of the intersection of Pacific Avenue S.E. and Alhadeff Lane. A map or directions are available at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/msa/rpau/docket.html or by calling (360) 664-6097), on May 22, 2007, at 10:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: Not earlier than May 23, 2007.

     Submit Written Comments to: DSHS Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 45850, Olympia, WA 98504, delivery 4500 10th Avenue S.E., Lacey, WA 98503, e-mail schilse@dshs.wa.gov, fax (360) 664-6185, by 5:00 p.m. on May 22, 2007.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Stephanie Schiller, DSHS Rules Consultant, by May 18, 2007, TTY (360) 664-6178 or (360) 664-6097 or by e-mail at schilse@dshs.wa.gov.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The department is proposing to amend WAC 388-550-1050 in order to clarify and update existing definitions, add new definitions relating to inpatient and outpatient hospital services, specifically definitions pertaining to payment methodologies for inpatient hospital services, and repeal outdated definitions. In addition, the department is adding new language that states the department's hospital selective contracting program no longer exists for admissions on and after July 1, 2007.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: In 2005, ESSB 6090, recommended that a study be done by Navigant to look at the department's inpatient payment system and include recommendations on the design. This WAC section is written to incorporate into the definitions the results of the Navigant study, and to update information on the department's hospital coverage, rate-setting, and payment processes. At the same time and for the same reasons, the department is proposing rule making to reflect changes and new sections in chapter 388-550 WAC.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 74.08.090 and 74.09.500.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 74.09.500.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Department of social and health services, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Kathy Sayre, P.O. Box 45504, Olympia, WA 98504-5504, (360) 725-1342; Implementation and Enforcement: Larry Linn, P.O. Box 45502, Olympia, WA 98504-5502, (360) 725-1856.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The department has determined that the proposed rule will not create more than minor costs for affected small businesses.

     A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Larry Linn, P.O. Box 45502, Olympia, WA 98504-5502, phone (360) 725-1856, fax (360) 753-9152, e-mail linnld@dshs.wa.gov.

March 30, 2007

Jim Schnellman, Chief

Office of Administrative Resources

     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 07-09 issue of the Register.

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