WSR 17-15-067

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed July 14, 2017, 9:06 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-710 WAC, Coordinated children's services (children with special health care needs (CSHCN)). The department of health is considering: Updating the rules to current standards; amending to include accessing the department as a payer of last resort, and repayment to the department under certain circumstance[s]; and adding new sections to include programs such as neurodevelopmental centers (NDC).

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 43.70.040, 43.70.080, and 43.70.120.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department administers the CSHCN program formerly run by DSHS. The rule has not been updated since 2003 and the requirements and language in the rule is [are] outdated. Updating this rule will provide stable guidance and direction for these programs, establish protocols and procedures for services, supports, and data sharing, simplify our program contracts, and provide comprehensive guidance for our NDC.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Health resources and services administration (HRSA), maternal and child health block grant (MCHBG), Title V of the Social Security Act, C.F.R. Title 42 438.208, 45 C.F.R. 96.10, 42 US Code Section 701 (a)(1)(D), and (b)(3), 42 US Code Section 705 (a)(3)(B). We will coordinate with this federal agency by ensuring our rule making falls within the guidelines provided by the agency, and by soliciting their input throughout the process, including during the rule updating and public comments phases. We will provide a notice/report of our rule updating activities to HRSA with the MCHBG renewal application.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Ellen Silverman, ellen.silverman@doh.wa.gov, (360) 236-3580; or Matthew Green, matthew.green@doh.wa.gov, (360) 236-3309.

The department will provide information and solicit input in several ways. The department plans to attend standing meetings of major stakeholders, hold webinars, solicit feedback via email, and host a temporary web page with information and options for providing feedback, and using existing work groups and advisory groups, such as the communications network or CSHCN coordinators.

July 13, 2017

John Weisman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary