Bill > HB1577

This bill amends an existing law to modify the work group tasked with designing a palliative care benefit and payment model for fully insured health plans in Washington state. The key provision is an important exemption for volunteer organizations providing hospice care without compensation, allowing them to offer palliative care services without meeting the standard benefit elements or obtaining a specific license. The work group, composed of representatives from various healthcare organizations and agencies, will continue to develop recommendations for palliative care services, including clinical eligibility criteria, service definitions, staffing models, evaluation criteria, and payment approaches. The bill defines palliative care as comprehensive symptom management and support for patients with serious illness, focusing on physical, psychological, and spiritual care that can be provided alongside curative treatments. The work group is required to convene by July 30, 2024, and submit a detailed report to the legislature by November 1, 2025, with the entire section set to expire on June 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon signing.