Washington Administrative Code Title 243 - Health Care Policy Board
Overview of WAC Title 243 – Health Care Policy Board
WAC Title 243 contains the administrative rules that govern the Washington Health Care Authority's Health Care Policy Board. This board is responsible for setting policies and guiding decisions related to health care coverage and health care system reforms within the state of Washington.
The board plays a key role in shaping health care delivery, controlling costs, and improving access and quality for residents of Washington State.
What is the Health Care Policy Board?
The Health Care Policy Board is a state-appointed group that provides strategic oversight and policy recommendations related to health care in Washington. It works closely with the Health Care Authority (HCA)—the agency responsible for managing public health care programs such as Medicaid (Apple Health), public employee benefits, and other initiatives.
Purpose of WAC Title 243
Establish the structure, duties, and responsibilities of the Health Care Policy Board.
Define the policy-making authority of the board regarding health care system reforms.
Set procedures for meetings, decision-making, and public involvement.
Provide guidelines for collaboration between the board, the Health Care Authority, and other health stakeholders.
Key Areas Covered Under WAC Title 243
1. Board Composition and Membership
Details about the appointment and terms of board members.
Representation from different sectors such as consumers, providers, employers, and government officials.
Eligibility requirements and any conflicts of interest provisions.
2. Powers and Duties of the Board
Establishing health care policy goals and priorities for the state.
Reviewing and recommending health care programs and reforms.
Advising the Health Care Authority on policy decisions.
Monitoring the performance and outcomes of health care initiatives.
3. Meetings and Procedures
Requirements for the frequency and conduct of board meetings.
Rules for public participation and transparency.
Quorum and voting procedures.
How the board adopts policies and issues recommendations.
4. Health Care System Reform
Framework for the board’s role in advancing reforms aimed at:
Improving health care quality and outcomes.
Controlling costs.
Expanding access to care.
Promoting innovative payment and delivery models.
5. Coordination with Other Agencies
Guidelines for how the board interacts with the Health Care Authority, other state agencies, local governments, and health care providers.
Collaboration on data sharing, program evaluation, and policy alignment.
Importance of WAC Title 243
Policy Leadership: The board drives health care policy direction to improve the state's health system.
Public Accountability: The rules ensure transparency and public input into important health care decisions.
System Coordination: Helps align multiple public health programs under consistent policies.
Innovation Promotion: Supports efforts to modernize health care payment and delivery in Washington.
Summary
WAC Title 243 establishes the legal and procedural framework for the Health Care Policy Board, which guides Washington State’s efforts to improve health care through policy development and system reform. The code covers who serves on the board, how it operates, what responsibilities it holds, and how it engages the public and other stakeholders in shaping the state’s health care landscape.
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