2025 legislative review
Rep. Michelle Caldier, R-Gig Harbor, is the assistant ranking minority member on the House Health Care & Wellness Committee.
barriers while maintaining standards and strengthens the state’ s health care workforce. Both chambers passed the bill unanimously.
HB 1142 home care workers
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor: Rep. Nicole Macri, D-Seattle
This bill aligns training requirements for family members who provide in-home care for their loved ones and makes them eligible for compensation through the WA Cares Fund. AWB testified in support of the bill, noting that more than 800,000 Washingtonians provide care for family members but don’ t get paid. It passed the House 88-8 and the Senate 48-1.
HB 1881 health care mergers
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsor: Rep. Jamila Taylor, D-Federal Way
This bill would have given oversight to the attorney general to approve or deny
mergers and affiliations between health care entities. Its stated aim was to preserve access to health care services but actually would have regulated consolidation of any provider, including chiropractors, therapists, optometrists, podiatrists and physical therapists. AWB testified in opposition to the bill during a hearing before the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee. The bill failed to advance.
HB 1430 arnp / pa reimbursement
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsor: Sen. Tarra Simmons, D-Bremerton
This bill would have required health insurers to reimburse advanced practice registered nurse practitioners( ARNPs) and physician assistants( PAs) at the same rate as doctors. AWB opposed the bill because it would have resulted in another increase to commercial health insurance plans. The bill passed the House 60-36 but stalled in the Senate.
SB 5808 health carrier surpluses
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsor: Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett
This bill would have subjected local not-forprofit health carriers to a 3 % tax on reserves over 600 % of Risk-Based Capital, on top of taxes already paid to the state. This would have offered yet another unreliable revenue stream on which to base long-term budget commitments. The bill did not have a hearing.
SB 5387 corporate practice of health care
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsor: Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett
This bill would have prohibited the corporate practice of health care except through a professional service corporation or limited liability company. It passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee but failed to advance.
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