The 2024 state legislative session concludes today, March 7. As the second year in the biennium, this was a “short,” 60-day session, but it was packed with key issues for hospitals and health care. We are particularly excited about two key outcomes. The first is that SB 5940 passed, allowing EMT-basic, EMT-advanced and paramedics to work in hospitals through a new medical assistant credential using their existing training and education... Read More >>

The Washington State Legislature released its final 2024 supplemental budget March 6. This is a supplemental budget year, which means this budget provides updates to the 2023-2025 biennial budget passed last session... Read More >>

The final cutoff of session was Friday, March 1, when all bills needed to pass the opposite chamber (except for those deemed necessary to implement the budget)... Read More >>

The Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) has released updated self-inspection worksheets. State regulation requires that responsible pharmacy managers conduct an annual self-inspection in March and within 30 days of naming a new responsible pharmacy manager.... Read More >>

The most recent cutoff of session was Monday, Feb. 26, when most bills needed to pass from fiscal committees in the opposite chamber to continue advancing... Read More >>

The most recent cutoff of session was Wednesday, Feb. 21, when most bills needed to pass from committees in the opposite chamber (with the exception of fiscal committees)... Read More >>

The Senate released its proposed 2024 budget Sunday evening, Feb. 18, and the House released its proposed 2024 budget Monday, Feb. 19 at noon. Over the next couple of weeks,... Read More >>

The Health Care Authority (HCA) is currently accepting applications for $10 million in distressed hospital grant (DHG) funds as outlined in RCW 74.60.100 for calendar year 2024. Completed applications must... Read More >>

The Washington State Health Care Authority’s February update to the Medicaid Inpatient Hospital Billing Guide includes instructions for billing covered ancillary services that are paid separately and in addition to... Read More >>

In 2023, the Legislature enacted E2SHB 1357 to modernize prior authorization processes. The law shortens prior authorization determination timelines, adds standards for clinical review criteria, and requires carriers to use... Read More >>