ARC 3165C

ARC 3165C

HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT[441]

Notice of Intended Action

Twenty-five interested persons, a governmental subdivision, an agency or association of 25 or more persons may demand an oral presentation hereon as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.4(1)"b."

Notice is also given to the public that the Administrative Rules Review Committee may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this proposed action under section 17A.8(6) at a regular or special meeting where the public or interested persons may be heard.

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 249A.4 and 2017 Iowa Acts, House File 653, section 12(15)(a)(3), the Department of Human Services hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 79, "Other Polices Relating to Providers of Medical and Remedial Care," Iowa Administrative Code.

This amendment will reimplement the cost-containment strategy to adjust Medicaid reimbursement rates for physician services rendered in facility settings (e.g., hospitals), by applying a "site of service" differential to reflect the difference between the cost of physician services when provided in a health facility setting and the cost of physician services when provided in a physician's office. It should be noted that the strategy in this amendment was originally legislatively mandated in 2011 as a directed/mandated cost-containment strategy at that time. However, the Legislature "nullified" the original mandate in 2012, based on provider complaints about reduced payments in facility settings.

Any interested person may make written comments on the proposed amendment on or before July 25, 2017. Comments should be directed to Harry Rossander, Bureau of Policy Coordination, Department of Human Services, Hoover State Office Building, 5th Floor, 1305 East Walnut Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0114. Comments may be sent by fax to (515)281-4980 or by e-mail to policyanalysis@dhs.state.ia.us.

This amendment does not provide for waivers in specified situations because requests for the waiver of any rule may be submitted under the Department's general rule on exceptions at 441—1.8(17A,217).

This amendment was also Adopted and Filed Emergency and is published herein as ARC 3162C. The purpose of this Notice of Intended Action is to solicit public comment on that submission, the subject matter of which is incorporated by reference.

After analysis and review of this rule making, no impact on jobs has been found.

This amendment is intended to implement Iowa Code section 249A.4 and 2017 Iowa Acts, House File 653, section 12(15)(a)(3).