Bill > SB5493

This bill requires hospitals in Washington state to publish and comply with federal hospital price transparency rules by July 1, 2027, specifically following the guidelines outlined in 45 C.F.R. Part 180, subparts A and B, as they existed on January 1, 2025. Starting on that date, hospitals must also submit two key documents to the state department annually: a machine-readable file listing standard charges for all hospital items and services, and a consumer-friendly list of standard charges for a limited set of "shoppable services" (medical services that patients can research and compare prices for in advance). The bill aims to increase transparency in healthcare pricing, helping patients better understand and potentially compare the costs of medical services before receiving treatment. This legislation modifies chapter 70.41 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) by adding a new section that mandates these transparency requirements.