Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Medical Assistance Services intends to consider amending 12VAC30-50, Amount, Duration, and Scope of Medical and Remedial Care and Services; 12VAC30-60, Standards Established and Methods Used to Assure High Quality Care; 12VAC30-80, Methods and Standards for Establishing Rates; Other Types of Care; and 12VAC30-120, Waivered Services. The purpose of the proposed action is to promote improved quality of Medicaid-covered behavioral therapy services provided to children and adolescents who may have autism spectrum disorders and similar developmental disorders. The proposed changes will differentiate Medicaid's coverage of behavioral therapy services, including applied behavior analysis, from coverage of community mental health and other developmental services. Regulatory action is needed to establish provider qualifications and clear criteria for Medicaid payment of these EPSDT Behavioral Therapy Services.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396 et seq.

Public Comment Deadline: February 13, 2013.

Agency Contact: Brian McCormick, Regulatory Supervisor, Department of Medical Assistance Services, 600 East Broad Street, Suite 1300, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 371-8856, FAX (804) 786-1680, or email brian.mccormick@dmas.virginia.gov.