WSHA Seeking Feedback: HCA Issues Stakeholder Draft of Proposed Rural Health Clinic Rule Changes

The Health Care Authority released a stakeholder draft and WAC crosswalk of proposed changes to enrollment and payment language for rural health clinics (RHCs). WSHA recommends hospitals that operate or plan to open RHCs review the language changes and contact Andrew Busz at andrewb@wsha.org with any questions or concerns. The proposed changes include:
• Changes to RHC effective date based on date of submission of Medicare certification letter and other materials;
• Addition of dental services specified in 42 C.F.R. 440.100 to definition of RHC services;
• Calculation of clinic-specific encounter rates for new clinics based on date of submission of first audited medicare cost report; and
• Change of language from “an annual reconciliation” to “a reconciliation” to reflect HCA policy and practice.
Comments to the stakeholder draft are due October 14 and should be submitted to Michael Williams, HCA Rules and Publications Program Manager, at michael.williams@hca.wa.gov.