Title of Regulation: 12VAC30-60. Standards Established and Methods Used to Assure High Quality Care (adding 12VAC30-60-500).

Statutory Authority: §§32.1-324 and 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Dates: August 8, 2007, through February 7, 2009.

The Department of Medical Assistance Services requested an extension of the emergency regulations, 12VAC30-60, pursuant to § 2.2-4011 of the Code of Virginia. The emergency regulations, relating to disease management, were published in 23:26 VA.R. 4427-4429 September 3, 2007 (http://legis.state.va.us/codecomm/register/vol23/iss26/ v23i26.pdf) with effective dates of August 8, 2007, through August 7, 2008.

The original emergency regulation was followed by a proposed regulation. Upon further research it was determined that the national evidence-based guidelines for the specialized conditions were designed for individuals 18 years and older. Therefore, substantive changes were made to the original proposed regulation specifically dropping the age limit of 21 years and older to 18 years and older for individuals in the fee-for service, who have congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary artery disease (CAD), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Due to unforeseen delays, it is not possible that the regulatory process will be complete prior to the expiration of the emergency regulation, despite the best efforts of those involved.

The Governor approved the department's request to extend the expiration date of the emergency regulations for six months as provided in § 2.2-4011D of the Code of Virginia. Therefore, the regulations will continue in effect through February 2, 2009.

Agency Contact: Meredith Lee, Health Care Services Division, Department of Medical Assistance Services, 600 East Broad Street, Suite 1300, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-5040, FAX (804) 786-1680, or email meredith.lee@dmas.virginia.gov.