Bill > SB5602

This bill aims to improve cardiac and stroke care in Washington State by establishing a comprehensive, data-driven system of care oversight. The bill directs the Department of Health to create a statewide cardiac and stroke registry that will collect and analyze data from emergency medical services providers and hospitals regarding heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest, and stroke care. Starting in July 2027, hospitals and emergency medical services will be required to submit quarterly data about patient care and outcomes. The department will use this registry to develop care system standards, categorize stroke and cardiac centers, evaluate performance, and provide technical assistance to medical providers. By July 2028, the department must produce an annual public report analyzing the collected data and providing recommendations for improving cardiac and stroke care. The bill also mandates that the department conduct public education about heart attack and stroke symptoms and the importance of seeking immediate treatment. To protect patient privacy, individual patient and provider data will remain confidential and cannot be disclosed or used in legal proceedings. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to help critical access and rural hospitals acquire necessary data platforms and support prehospital services in improving equipment and training for cardiac and stroke patient treatment.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5602&Year=2025&Initiative=false