Bill > HB1072

This bill establishes a new regulatory framework for reviewing healthcare transactions that could potentially impact access to certain protected health care services in Washington State. The bill requires health care entities to obtain approval from the Department of Health before engaging in transactions that might affect access to reproductive health care, end-of-life care, and gender-affirming care. Specifically, health care entities must submit a detailed application at least 60 days before a transaction, including information about how the transaction might impact healthcare services in specific health districts. The Department of Health will review these applications and can approve, approve with conditions, or deny transactions based on whether they would meaningfully reduce access to protected health care services. The department must conduct public hearings, consult with the Attorney General, and consider factors like potential service disruptions, alternative care sources, and community healthcare needs. The bill also mandates the creation of a biennial report on healthcare service access and updates the state's health resources strategy to include specific analysis of protected health care services. The goal is to ensure that residents maintain access to critical healthcare services across different communities, while also balancing the potential benefits of healthcare business transactions.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1072&Year=2025&Initiative=false