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WashingtonHB 17182025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning well-being programs for certain health care professionals.

Sponsored By: My-Linh Thai (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Clinician privacy protections with safety reporting

Beginning July 27, 2025, participant records created specifically for and kept by Washington physician well-being programs are confidential. They are exempt from public disclosure and generally protected from subpoenas, court information requests, and use as evidence. Protection excludes information available from original sources, program organizing documents and contracts, and records created before the program began. In specified civil cases brought by a clinician, information may be used if unavailable through other nonprotected sources. Programs need not report participants who can practice safely. The medical director or another licensed professional must report when a participant cannot practice safely or a patient has been harmed. Referral to an approved physician health or substance use monitoring program is an alternative only when Washington Medical Commission rules allow. Reports to the disciplinary authority are not confidential or legally protected and are subject to public records law.

New peer support limits for clinicians

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington recognizes well-being programs for physicians and physician assistants. Eligible employers, nonprofit specialty medical groups, or statewide physician groups must establish programs in writing and arrange contracts in advance. Programs provide one-on-one peer support, connect participants to appropriate health and work resources, and allow three sessions per person every 12 months. Sessions address career fatigue and well-being—not specific patient care, patient harm, discipline, quality improvement, or misconduct. Program employees and owners cannot participate. Programs cannot monitor clinicians who may be unable to practice safely, and existing quality improvement plans are excluded.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • My-Linh Thai

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Clyde Shavers

    Democratic • House

  • Janice Zahn

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Shaun Scott

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/8/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/21/2025House

  2. Chapter 97, 2025 Laws.

    4/21/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    4/21/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/16/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/14/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/11/2025legislature

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

    4/8/2025House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/8/2025House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/2/2025House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/24/2025House

  11. HLTC - Majority; do pass.

    3/21/2025House

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

    3/11/2025House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    3/8/2025House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/8/2025House

  15. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/8/2025House

  16. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    3/8/2025House

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

    3/4/2025House

  18. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/21/2025House

  19. HCW - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/19/2025House

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

    2/19/2025House

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

    1/29/2025House

  22. Introduced

    1/29/2025House

Bill Text

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