WSR 08-22-021

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
(Health and Recovery Services Administration)

[ Filed October 28, 2008, 8:35 a.m. ]

     Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 388-543-1200 Providers who are eligible to provide services.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 74.08.090.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is removing the requirement for durable medical equipment (DME) providers under WAC 388-543-1200 (1)(b) which states, "Have appropriately trained, qualified staff." This requirement sets up an expectation that the department will monitor the training the provider's staff receive and determine if they are "qualified." This is not the case. There are no standards for defining what is "qualified" for DME staff, nor is there a certification process, nor does the department have a system that monitors whether vendors are complying with this requirement.

     The department is also changing all references to "MAA" within this section to "the department."

     Process for Developing New Rule: The department invites interested stakeholders and the public to review and comment on draft material. For information about how to participate, contact 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 Wendy L. Boedigheimer, Rules Program Manager, P.O. Box 45504, Olympia, WA 98504-5504, phone (360) 725-1306, fax (360) 586-9727, TTY 1-800-848-5429, e-mail boediwl@dshs.wa.gov.

October 27, 2008

Stephanie E. Schiller

Rules Coordinator

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