PRIA Logo™
WashingtonHB 17062025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Aligning the implementation of application programming interfaces for prior authorization with federal guidelines.

Sponsored By: Tarra Simmons (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Electronic approval tools for managed care members

Washington managed care organizations must maintain electronic prior authorization tools that follow final federal rules. Prior authorization means a health plan must approve care before it is provided. In-network providers must be able to check approval and paperwork requirements for covered drugs electronically. Beginning January 1, 2027, the drug tools must exchange requests and decisions, including information about covered alternative drugs. Denials, approvals of less-intensive services, and approvals of different drugs must be marked as decisions members can challenge through grievances and appeals. These requirements exclude decisions made under RCW 71.24.618 or RCW 74.09.490.

Electronic approval tools for public employee families

Washington health plans for public employees, retirees, and covered dependents must maintain electronic prior authorization tools following final federal rules. Prior authorization means a health plan must approve care before it is provided. In-network providers must be able to check approval and paperwork requirements for covered drugs electronically. Beginning January 1, 2027, drug tools must exchange requests and decisions, including information about covered alternative drugs. Denials, approvals of less-intensive services, and approvals of different drugs must be marked as decisions members can challenge through grievances and appeals. Enforcement begins January 1, 2027, even if related federal rules are withdrawn, delayed, suspended, or remain unfinished after February 8, 2024.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 146 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 97 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/7/2025House

  2. Chapter 25, 2025 Laws.

    4/7/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    4/7/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/2/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/31/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/31/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/26/2025House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/26/2025House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/21/2025House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/17/2025House

  11. HLTC - Majority; do pass.

    3/14/2025House

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

    3/6/2025House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 1; excused, 0.

    3/4/2025House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2025House

  15. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/4/2025House

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

    2/28/2025House

  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/21/2025House

  18. HCW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/19/2025House

  19. HCW - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/19/2025House

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

    1/29/2025House

  21. Introduced

    1/29/2025House

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation