RCW 74.09.730 Disproportionate share hospital adjustment.

(1) In establishing Title XIX payments for inpatient hospital services:

(a) To the extent funds are appropriated specifically for this purpose, and subject to any conditions placed on appropriations made for this purpose, the authority shall provide a disproportionate share hospital adjustment considering the following components:

(i) A low-income care component based on a hospital's medicaid utilization rate, its low-income utilization rate, its provision of obstetric services, and other factors authorized by federal law;

(ii) A medical indigency care component based on a hospital's services to persons who are medically indigent; and

(iii) A state-only component, to be paid from available state funds to hospitals that do not qualify for federal payments under (a)(ii) of this subsection, based on a hospital's services to persons who are medically indigent;

(b) The payment methodology for disproportionate share hospitals shall be specified by the authority in regulation.

(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as a right or an entitlement by any hospital to any payment from the authority.

[ 2018 c 201 § 7020; 2011 1st sp.s. c 15 § 47; 2009 c 538 § 1; 1991 sp.s. c 9 § 8; 1989 c 260 § 1; 1987 1st ex.s. c 5 § 20.]

NOTES:

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.

Effective date—Findings—Intent—Report—Agency transfer—References to head of health care authority—Draft legislation—2011 1st sp.s. c 15: See notes following RCW 74.09.010.

Effective dates—1991 sp.s. c 9: See note following RCW 74.09.700.