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WashingtonSB 55792025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Annette Cleveland (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Standard patient notices on provider exits

Beginning December 1, 2025, the insurance commissioner posts standard language for notices about provider contract expirations or terminations. The template must name affected facilities, say whether hospital-based providers are affected, tell patients what to do about appointments after the date, and explain continuity-of-care rights under the No Surprises Act. Notices that use the template as-is do not need approval; any changes need commissioner approval first. Starting January 1, 2026, carriers that send early notices can be fined up to $100 per day for each enrollee who got the early notice. By January 1, 2027, provider contracts must include these communication rules.

Fines and discipline for unlawful contract notices

The insurance commissioner may refer suspected violations to the Department of Health or licensing boards, which can fine and must report results. A violation counts as unprofessional conduct for licensed health professionals. Hospitals, medical test sites, ambulatory surgical facilities, and certain behavioral health providers can be fined up to $1,000 per violation when an investigation confirms the commissioner’s report. The department can also act against birthing centers, in-home services agencies, and private establishments using fines, license limits, or stopping services under existing powers. These steps strengthen enforcement of the 45-day communication rule.

45-day limit on provider contract notices

The law bars health plans, providers, and facilities from making public statements about a provider contract ending until 45 days before the end date. They can speak earlier only to meet a legal duty or if a legal duty already made the ending public. Talking only to the governor, legislators, or state agency staff does not count as public. A public statement to patients cannot happen before the other party gets written termination notice unless both parties agree. The rule does not apply to independent solo providers or small practices of five or fewer not tied to a hospital, and state employee medical plans must follow these limits.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Annette Cleveland

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Javier Valdez

    Democratic • Senate

  • Ron Muzzall

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 190 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/21/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 47 • No: 1

House vote • 4/10/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/10/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/20/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 389, 2025 Laws.

    5/20/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/20/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/24/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/23/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 47; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/21/2025Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    4/21/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 95; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    4/10/2025Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/10/2025Senate

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted as amended.

    4/10/2025Senate

  12. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/8/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    4/2/2025Senate

  14. HCW - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/1/2025Senate

  15. HCW - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    4/1/2025Senate

  16. First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

    3/12/2025Senate

  17. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/10/2025Senate

  18. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/10/2025Senate

  19. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/10/2025Senate

  20. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/5/2025Senate

  21. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/21/2025Senate

  22. Minority; do not pass.

    2/21/2025Senate

  23. HLTC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/21/2025Senate

  24. First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

    1/30/2025Senate

  25. Introduced

    1/30/2025Senate

Bill Text

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