Prohibiting health carriers, facilities, and providers from making any public statements of any potential or planned contract terminations unless it satisfies a legal obligation.

 S-1716.1

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5579

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Senate Health & Long-Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Cleveland, Muzzall, and Valdez)

READ FIRST TIME 02/21/25.

AN ACT Relating to prohibiting health carriers, facilities, and providers from making any public statements of any potential or planned contract terminations unless it satisfies a legal obligation; adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that public communications and notices to health plan members by carriers, health care providers, or health care facilities during contract negotiations have created concerns for enrollees, patients, and affected communities. Therefore, the legislature intends to provide consistent policies for communication with enrollees and affected communities regarding potential contract terminations.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 48.43 RCW to read as follows: