Bill > HB1812

This bill addresses patient-centered access to anesthesia services by establishing comprehensive protections for patients and healthcare providers. Specifically, the bill prohibits health carriers and Medicaid managed care organizations from imposing arbitrary time limits or caps on anesthesia service reimbursements, ensuring that insurance companies cannot deny coverage or reduce payments based solely on the duration of a medical procedure. The legislation requires that anesthesia services be reimbursed based on medical necessity as determined by physicians or certified registered nurse anesthetists, and it prevents discrimination between these two types of providers by mandating equal treatment in billing, coverage, and compensation. Starting January 1, 2026, health plans must treat physicians and certified registered nurse anesthetists equally when verifying practice competency and processing claims. The bill empowers the insurance commissioner to enforce these provisions through penalties such as civil monetary fines, claim reimbursement requirements, potential license suspension, and public disclosure of non-compliant insurers. Additionally, the bill provides recourse for individuals and healthcare providers by allowing them to file complaints or pursue legal remedies. The legislature justifies the bill by highlighting the potential dangers of insurance companies prioritizing profits over patient safety, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants, elderly patients, and those with complex medical conditions.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1812&Year=2025&Initiative=false