Delayed implementation—Retroactive fees. (Contingent expiration date.)

If there is a delay in the implementation of this chapter for any reason, including a delay in any required approval of the quality assurance fee and reimbursement methodology specified by the federal centers for medicare and medicaid services, the following shall apply: (1) An ambulance transport provider may be assessed the amount the provider would be required to pay to the authority if the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule described in *RCW 74.70.050(2)(c) were already approved, but shall not be required to pay the fee until the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule described in RCW 74.70.060 is approved. The authority shall establish a schedule for payment of retroactive fees pursuant to this subsection in consultation with ambulance transport providers to minimize the disruption to the cash flow of ambulance transport providers. (2) The authority may retroactively implement the add-on increase to the fee-for-service payment schedule pursuant to RCW 74.70.060 to the extent the authority determines that federal financial participation is available.