Bill > SB5823

This bill mandates that, by January 1, 2027, all licensed hospitals in Washington State must have a patient advocate physically present in their acute care settings daily to help patients navigate the healthcare system, with these advocacy services potentially being provided by multiple individuals. However, certain hospitals are exempt from this in-person requirement, including rural hospitals designated as independent sole community hospitals or critical access hospitals by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), hospitals on islands within a public hospital district in Skagit County, and specific hospitals meeting strict criteria related to their location, federal eligibility for critical access designation, and a high percentage of combined Medicaid and Medicare inpatient days. These exempt hospitals must instead provide patients with access to a patient advocate through contact information for an advocacy service, such as a phone or videoconference number, ensuring these services are active and knowledgeable about Washington's healthcare system, and informing patients how to grant advocates access to necessary information like medical records. Patient advocates are defined as individuals who assist patients within acute care hospitals by supporting them in navigating the healthcare system, which includes helping with accessing medical records, scheduling appointments and follow-up care, facilitating understanding of medical conditions and treatment options by collaborating with the healthcare team, and representing patient interests by asking questions, documenting information, and aiding communication with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and other hospitals.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5823&Year=2025&Initiative=false