2019 New Law Implementation Guide

The 2019 Legislative Session may be over but implementation of the new laws has just begun. WSHA’s Government Affairs team is preparing resources to help hospitals understand, prepare and ultimately implement all the new laws which will soon go into effect.  

On this page, you will find a list of the high priority laws that WSHA is preparing resources and information on. The implementation schedule below identifies the new law, bill number, whether hospital action is required, the resource(s) WSHA is preparing, a timeline for the release of the resources, the effective date of the laws, and the policy director who can help address any follow up questions. This page will be updated regularly, as new resources are released.

Recent and Upcoming Events & Publications

Six bulletins have been released and are available at the links below. One addresses the requirement to retain unreported sexual assault kits, which is effective immediately. The other addresses the expanded whistleblower and peer review laws, effective July 28, 2019.

Members are encouraged to watch out for the following upcoming bulletins and webinars:

1. Uninterrupted Breaks (nurse staffing): On June 3, 2019, WSHA released a bulletin on HB 1155. On June 18, 2019 at 1 pm, WSHA will host a webinar on the new law. You can register here. Additional resources are forthcoming.
2. Balance Billing and Public Option: On June 4, 2019, WSHA released a bulletin on HB 1065 (balance billing) and previously released a bulletin on SB 5526 (public option). A webinar with further information on both new laws will follow on June 19, 2019 at 12 pm. You can register here.
3. Family Initiated Treatment. On June 6, 2019, WSHA released a bulletin on HB 1874. A webinar with further information on the new law will follow on July 9, 2019 at 12 pm. You can register here.

New Law Implementation Schedule

Many laws become effective 90 days after session ended, on July 28, 2019. Some laws will become effective at a pre-determined later day, or may even be retroactive. Hospital administrators and executives are strongly encouraged to review the timetable below to ensure they are taking timely and appropriate steps in advance of a law’s effective date. The Government Affairs team will release resources in advance of a law’s effective date to assist members’ own education, planning and implementation plans.

Last updated June 21, 2019