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WashingtonSB 58472025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning access to medical care in workers' compensation.

Sponsored By: Rebecca Saldaña (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Ongoing cancer monitoring is covered

Beginning Jan 1, 2028, if your claim accepts a cancer diagnosis, the insurer keeps paying for monitoring. Your oncologist sets the timing. Coverage includes needed tests and related doctor visits.

Faster approvals and easier care access for workers

Beginning Jan 1, 2028, utilization reviews must finish within 10 business days after all info arrives, or treatment is approved. If relatedness is questioned, the department must issue an order within 30 days after that deadline. For state‑fund claims, the first visit’s prescriptions are paid even if the claim is later denied. If no network provider will treat you within 25 miles, you can notify the department, wait up to 10 days for help, then use a nearby nonnetwork provider who accepts fee rules. The definition of attending provider also expands to include more eligible clinicians.

Higher standards and incentives for providers

Beginning Jan 1, 2028, the department creates a second tier for high‑performing providers and offers incentives. It tracks quality and can remove providers who show a harmful pattern, but not for one bad outcome. If a provider is terminated, the department must give written notice and help you find a new network provider. Provider contracts renew automatically unless either side gives written notice or the department issues written changes.

Keep life-saving care after a denial

Beginning Jan 1, 2028, the department may keep paying for needed treatment that protects life or provides therapy after a denial. You must ask for approval within 120 days of getting the treatment. A written order by the supervisor is required.

More claims managers to speed cases

The department can hire more claims managers to reach about 141 claims per manager and review cases more often. Starting July 1, 2031, it studies the national average caseload at least every five years and can add staff to match it. Money for these hires follows allotment rules and does not need a separate appropriation.

Reforms apply to all claims

These reforms apply to all workers’ compensation claims, no matter when the injury happened. Existing and future claims follow the same network, staffing, and quality rules as they take effect.

Fines for employers who coerce care

Beginning Jan 1, 2028, state‑fund employers who force or pressure injured workers to use a specific provider face fines of $250 to $2,500 per violation. The department sets the amount based on how serious and frequent it is. Fines go to the supplemental pension fund. Repeat violators can be barred from retrospective rating programs.

You choose your doctor; no coercion

Beginning Jan 1, 2028, your employer must tell you that you can choose your provider for initial or emergency care. You also choose your provider within the network for ongoing care. Employers may not force or pressure you to use a certain provider. The department can investigate coercion.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Rebecca Saldaña

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bob Hasegawa

    Democratic • Senate

  • Claire Wilson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Derek Stanford

    Democratic • Senate

  • Emily Alvarado

    Democratic • House

  • Javier Valdez

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jessica Bateman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Liz Lovelett

    Democratic • Senate

  • Marcus Riccelli

    Democratic • Senate

  • Paul Harris

    Republican • Senate

  • Sharon Shewmake

    Democratic • Senate

  • Steve Conway

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Member 14205

    House

  • Yasmin Trudeau

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 127 • No: 65

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 30 • No: 19

House vote • 3/6/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 67 • No: 28 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 2/13/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 30 • No: 18 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026*.

    3/24/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 175, 2026 Laws.

    3/24/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/24/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/10/2026Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    3/10/2026House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 67; nays, 28; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    3/6/2026Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/6/2026Senate

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted as amended.

    3/6/2026Senate

  12. Committee amendment not adopted.

    3/6/2026Senate

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

    3/4/2026Senate

  14. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/2/2026Senate

  15. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/2/2026Senate

  16. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/2/2026Senate

  17. Minority; do not pass.

    3/2/2026Senate

  18. APP - Majority; do pass with amendment(s) but without amendment(s) by Labor & Workplace Standards.

    3/2/2026Senate

  19. Referred to Appropriations.

    2/25/2026Senate

  20. LAWS - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/24/2026Senate

  21. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/24/2026Senate

  22. LAWS - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    2/24/2026Senate

  23. First reading, referred to Labor & Workplace Standards.

    2/17/2026Senate

  24. Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 18; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    2/13/2026Senate

  25. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

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