Protecting providers ability to provide information about care and treatment options to patients

WSHA released a bulletin about a new Washington Law that establishes protections for health care providers (broadly defined) to provide patients with medically accurate and comprehensive information and counseling, including treatment alternatives and community resources, as long as the provider is acting in good faith and consistent with the provider’s training and knowledge. The law also requires health care entities to educate providers on the new law upon hiring and yearly thereafter and requires hospitals to educate providers on federal EMTALA law. WSHA’s advocacy helped ensure the final bill protects current privileging and credentialing processes, maintain the rights of hospitals and health systems to determine what services are appropriate to provide at their institutions, and ensure providers offering treatment recommendations act within the appropriate scope of practice. (Sarah Chicoine)