Ensuring transparency in credentials and communications between patients and health care professionals.

 H-2499.3

HOUSE BILL 2261

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2026 Regular Session

By Representatives Marshall and Barnard

Prefiled 01/06/26. Read first time 01/12/26. Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.

AN ACT Relating to ensuring transparency in credentials and communications between patients and health care professionals; amending RCW 18.130.180 , 18.57.031 , and 18.71.021 ; adding new sections to chapter 18.130 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 70.41 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 18.20 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 18.51 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 70.128 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 70.230 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that:

(a) The terms and titles used by health care professionals in clinical settings play a critical role in ensuring transparency and trust between patients and their health care professionals. Misunderstandings about health care professionals' credentials can lead to patient confusion, erode trust, and impact the quality of care;