Bill > HB1686

This bill aims to address the rapidly changing and consolidating health care landscape in Washington by creating a comprehensive health care entity registry. Recognizing that the state currently lacks a complete view of its health care systems, the legislature intends to develop a plan to establish an interactive registry that can monitor and measure health care market changes. The Washington State Department of Health will lead this effort, consulting with various state agencies to create a registry that includes licensed and unlicensed health care facilities, providers, systems, carriers, and health care benefit managers. The plan will specify what information each entity must report and establish a tiered fee structure to support the registry's creation. Key considerations include streamlining reporting processes, sharing information between state agencies, and understanding the complex business structures, ownership, and affiliations within the health care sector, including private equity investments. The department is required to provide a progress update to legislative committees by December 31, 2027, and a final report by November 1, 2028, which will identify remaining data gaps and recommend an implementation plan. The bill is contingent on receiving specific funding by June 30, 2025, and is motivated by concerns about increasing health care consolidation and persistent challenges with access and affordability for Washington residents.