(1) The department, in collaboration with the department of health, health carriers, local public health jurisdictions, children's health care providers including pediatricians, family practitioners, and pediatric subspecialists, community and migrant health centers, parents, and other purchasers, shall establish a concise set of explicit performance measures that can indicate whether children enrolled in the program are receiving health care through an established and effective medical home, and whether the overall health of enrolled children is improving. Such indicators may include, but are not limited to:

     (a) Childhood immunization rates;

     (b) Well child care utilization rates, including the use of behavioral and oral health screening, and validated, structured developmental screens using tools, that are consistent with nationally accepted pediatric guidelines and recommended administration schedule, once funding is specifically appropriated for this purpose;

     (c) Care management for children with chronic illnesses;

     (d) Emergency room utilization;

     (e) Visual acuity and eye health;

     (f) Preventive oral health service utilization; and

     (g) Children's mental health status. In defining these measures the department shall be guided by the measures provided in RCW 71.36.025.

     Performance measures and targets for each performance measure must be established and monitored each biennium, with a goal of achieving measurable, improved health outcomes for the children of Washington state each biennium.

     (2) Beginning in calendar year 2009, targeted provider rate increases shall be linked to quality improvement measures established under this section. The department, in conjunction with those groups identified in subsection (1) of this section, shall develop parameters for determining criteria for increased payment, alternative payment methodologies, or other incentives for those practices and health plans that incorporate evidence-based practice and improve and achieve sustained improvement with respect to the measures.

     (3) The department shall provide a report to the governor and the legislature related to provider performance on these measures, beginning in September 2010 for 2007 through 2009 and biennially thereafter. The department shall advise the legislature as to its progress towards developing this biennial reporting system by September 30, 2009.

[2009 c 463 § 4; 2007 c 5 § 4.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- Intent -- Short title -- 2009 c 463: See notes following RCW 74.09.470.