HB 353 - REFER IN HSS REGS TO OTHER DOCUMENTS Number 1752 CHAIRMAN BUNDE announced the next bill up for consideration was HB 353, "An Act relating to adoption by reference in regulations; and providing for an effective date." He asked Representative Kelly, the sponsor, to explain the committee substitute. Number 1752 REPRESENTATIVE PETE KELLY, Sponsor of HB 353, explained the drafter was of the opinion that some of the language more appropriately belonged in Title 44, the regulations statute, and the language specifically relating to the Department of Health & Social Services involvement would stay in Title 47. He said that is the only change in the proposed committee substitute. He noted a concern had been raised regarding a potential constitutional problem with HB 353; however, he directed the committee's attention to a letter from the Attorney General which advises that it is a valid concern but in their opinion, it is defensible. Number 1849 REPRESENTATIVE PORTER made a motion to adopt proposed committee substitute 0-LS1395\B. There being no objection, that version was before the committee. Number 1886 REPRESENTATIVE KELLY said the Department of Health & Social Services, with its Medicaid billing, is presented with a problem in that Medicaid and other medical federal regulations change rapidly and constantly. Each time a billing code changes, the department is required to promulgate regulations based on those codes. House Bill 353 allows the department to adopt by reference to the federal regulations without having to go through the expensive and time- consuming promulgation process. Number 2012 REPRESENTATIVE PORTER made a motion to move CSHB 353(HES) from committee. There being no objection, CSHB 353(HES) moved from the House Health, Education and Social Services Standing Committee.