Washington State’s 2026 legislative session kicked off Monday with several major hospital priorities already in motion. Key bills this week touch on 340B drug program protections, contract requirements and patient transport.
As legislation moves forward, it’s crucial for lawmakers to hear from hospital leaders. You can participate directly and make clear the impacts of these proposals on your organization by signing in to note support or opposition for legislation. There’s still time to weigh in on two important issues this week.
- SB 5981 aims to protect the 340B drug pricing program by preventing for‑profit manufacturers from imposing restrictions that limit hospitals’ ability to dispense discounted medications through community pharmacies. These limitations threaten access to care for vulnerable patients. The bill will have a hearing at 8 a.m. on Jan. 16 and WSHA will testify in support. Members can sign in on SB 5981 by 7 a.m. on Friday.
- HB 1496, which WSHA opposes, would impose a flat $50 cap on electronic medical record retrieval fees regardless of request size or complexity, shifting significant costs onto hospitals. The bill will have a public hearing at 8 a.m. on Jan. 16, and WSHA will testify in opposition. Members can sign in on HB 1496 by 7a.m. Friday.
WSHA’s entire legislative agenda is available on the WSHA website. You can also register to attend WSHA’s member-only legislative webcast happening Jan. 20 at noon. For timely updates, bill analysis and opportunities to take action throughout the 2026 session, subscribe to Inside Olympia, WSHA’s weekly legislative newsletter, and stay connected to the issues shaping health care policy at the Capitol.
Decisions in the coming weeks will have lasting impacts on hospitals, caregivers and the patients they serve. Active engagement helps lawmakers understand real-world implications, and the critical role hospitals play in their communities. Thank you for advocating on behalf of your patients and communities. Your voice makes a difference!
Sincerely,
Chelene Whiteaker
WSHA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs