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 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 >>

Over the next couple of weeks, the two chambers will work together to craft a final budget. The legislative session adjourns March 7... Read More >>

The last cutoff of session was Tuesday, Feb. 13, when most bills needed to pass out of their chamber of origin... Read More >>

The Legislature is moving to floor action in the House and Senate, meaning they now vote to pass legislation... Read More >>

We are pleased to report Advocacy Day was again a success, with 109 members representing 55 hospitals meeting with 111 lawmakers throughout the day... Read More >>

WSHA is excited that SB 6257, which clarifies that patients be Washington State residents to be eligible for charity care for non-emergencies, will receive its first public hearing this week... Read More >>