The agency is proposing to add a new subchapter IV, titled Medical Respite Program, under Chapter 182-551 WAC Alternative to Hospital Services.

The agency is revising these two sections to update outdated terminology (fair hearings to administrative hearings) and also to remove the outdated options for requesting prior authorization.

The agency is amending this rule to update the list of programs for which a person cannot be concurrently eligible with the Medicaid alternative care program.

The Health Care Authority (HCA) is updating the types of professionals and organizations that may provide health care services to eligible clients. HCA is making the following amendments in connection with several separate rulemaking actions:
1) Adding independent diagnostic testing facilities to subsection (2)(v) (WSR 25-05-044)
2) Adding anesthesiologist assistants to subsection (1)(d) (WSR 24-24-108)
3) Adding and expanding certified peer counselors to subsection (1)(i) (WSR 25-02-110); this replaces the reference to peer counselors currently in subsection (1)(yy)(ii)
4) Removing early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment (EPSDT) clinics from subsection (2)(m) (WSR 25-02-069)
5) Adding dental therapists to subsection (1)(q) (WSR 25-06-041)
This rule also adds community health workers to subsection (1)(m). The public hearing on that amendment was held on February 25, 2025 (25-03-102 WSR).

The agency is providing continuous eligibility for children ages zero to six covered through the Apple Health Children’s Health Insurance Program.

HCA is amending these rules to align them with current policies and practices.