Bill > HB1527

This bill addresses challenges in health care litigation by introducing a new provision that aims to improve the mandatory mediation process for medical malpractice claims. The legislature acknowledges the difficulties faced by both patients and health care providers, particularly the rising costs of medical malpractice insurance for physicians in high-risk specialties like obstetrics and emergency room practice. Recognizing that mandatory mediation often occurs late in litigation or not at all, the bill now stipulates that any settlement demand or offer made before mediation cannot expire before the parties attend mediation in good faith. This change is intended to create a more fair, efficient, and streamlined approach to resolving health care claims, with the ultimate goals of prioritizing patient safety, reducing litigation costs, and providing meaningful opportunities for dispute resolution before proceeding to trial. By preventing settlement offers from expiring prematurely, the bill seeks to encourage more productive dialogue and potentially reduce the overall burden of medical malpractice litigation on both patients and health care providers.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1527&Year=2025&Initiative=false