issue area reports | education , workforce and health care
Sen . Annette Cleveland , D-Vancouver , chairs the Health & Long Term Care Committee . She also serves on the Rules , Housing and Transportation committees .
This bill allows for the continuation of hospital-at-home services . This program was originally established during the pandemic but was set to expire at the end of 2024 . Under the program , hospitals can provide acute care services to patients in their own homes rather than admitting them to the hospital . Patients often recover more quickly at home and are less likely to return to the hospital . Both chambers passed the bill unanimously .
HB 1508 health care cost transparency board
Passed / AWB Neutral sponsor : Rep . Nicole Macri , D-Seattle
This bill gives the Washington Health Care Cost Transparency Board more authority as it works to analyze health care costs in the state . AWB opposed the original bill , which would have required payers or providers who exceed the state ’ s health care cost growth benchmark to submit a performance improvement plan or pay a civil fine . The final bill removes that requirement but states that these payers or providers may be required to testify regarding why they have exceeded the benchmark and what they are doing to address it . The bill passed the House 94-3 and the Senate 45-2 .
Bill considered as part of AWB ’ s voting record
Favorable outcome for Washington businesses
Missed Opportunities
special edition 2024 17