We’re quickly approaching Sine Die and the end of the 2026 legislative session. Friday marked the final cutoff for policy bills not related to the budget to pass out of the opposite chamber. Several key hospital priority bills cleared this milestone. The 340B program protections bill was the final policy bill considered and passed by the House. 

Two additional WSHA legislative priorities, network adequacy legislation affecting skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals, and EMS specialty care transport legislation are both now headed to the governor’s desk for signature. The prior authorization, timely payment and 340B bills were amended in the House and must return to the Senate for concurrence before advancing to final signature. 

Notably, legislation to restrict interest on medical debt did not advance. This bill now joins a growing list of proposals opposed by hospitals that failed to move forward this session. Detailed status updates on all legislation WSHA is tracking are available below. 

The legislature will adjourn this Thursday, March 12. The final budget proposal is expected to be released for a vote on Tuesday or Wednesday. Be sure to mark your calendars and plan to join us at noon on March 26 for the legislative session wrap-up webcast. Members will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about next steps with newly passed legislation. This is a member only event. Registration is required.  

Bills passed by opposite chamber

Bills WSHA supports  

ESSB 5845  

Modernizing and clarifying timely payment requirements for health carriers * 

 E2SSB 5395  

Prior authorization requirements for health insurers * 

ESHB 2110  

EMS specialty care transports  

HB 2113  

Supervision of radiologic and MRI technologists performing IV contrast procedures  

E2SSB 5981  

Concerning the 340B drug pricing program* 

ESSB 5124  

Establishing network adequacy standards for skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals  

HB 2340  

Adding nursing assistants to the substance use disorder monitoring program 

SHB 2577  

Hospital inspections  

*These bills have amendments that must be considered by their house of origin before continuing to the governor’s desk for final approval. 

Bills WSHA has worked to amend to address concerns or to neutral  

SHB 2152 

Medical cannabis  

HB 2339 

Nursing regulations  

ESHB 2548 

Strengthening health care market standards (health care transaction oversight) * 

*These bills have amendments that must be considered by their house of origin before continuing to the governor’s desk for final approval. 

Bills WSHA opposes  

ESHB 1155 

Prohibiting noncompetition agreements and clarifying non-solicitation agreements * 

SSB 5847  

Access to medical care in workers’ compensation * 

Notable bills no longer moving forward

2SSB 5292   

Paid family and medical leave rates  

ESSB 5906 

Establishing data and personal safety protections within areas of public accommodation for all Washington residents 

ESSB 5993  

Interest on medical debt  

ESSB 6210 

Health carrier certification by Washington Health Benefit Exchange 

2SSB 5387  

Corporate practice of health care  

HB 2232  

Improving system outcomes for time-sensitive emergencies  

SSB 6296  

Relating to involuntary treatment  

 SSB 5823  

Patient advocates  

SHB 2144  

Employee electronic monitoring notices  

HB 2372/SB 6067  

Workers’ compensation benefits  

SB 6284/HB 2667  

Consumer protections for artificial intelligence systems  

SHB 2402  

Phthalates in medical equipment used for intravenous purposes  

HB 2545  

Elective percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in ambulatory surgical facilities  

SB 6152  

Including physical and occupational therapists as attending providers for workers’ compensation  

HB 1784  

Medical assistant order entry and activation  

HB 1589   

Concerning the relationships between health carriers and contracting providers (HB 2106 relating to health carrier contract changes was amended onto this bill)  

HB 2283 

Establishing a medical loss ratio of at least 90 percent for health plans. 

SHB 2157  

High risk artificial intelligence  

HB 1496  

Strengthening patients’ rights regarding their health care information (medical records fees cap for third parties)  

HB 2122  

Requiring hospitals to offer immunizations for influenza in certain cases. 

HB 2685  

Improving the state governmental public health system and the health system and health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives through the sharing and protection of tribal data  

 HB 2255  

Litigation financing   

HB 2250 

Charity care residency requirement 

Bills that are likely dead, but could be revived as necessary to implement the budget  

SB 6173 

Creating an apple health employer assessment  

HB 2100  

Payroll tax to fund the Well Washington account  

HB 2626  

Increasing the insurance premium tax on certain health insurance providers (would reduce safety net assessment payments to hospitals)  

Bills applicable to all businesses or residents on which WSHA is neutral  

HB 2264  

Unemployment insurance benefits for workers separated from employment as a result of employer-initiated layoffs or workforce reductions  

SHB 2471/ SSB 6617  

Collective bargaining for employees not covered by the national labor relations act  

HB 2724/     SB 6346  

Establishing a tax on millionaires