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WashingtonHB 25772025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning hospital inspections.

Sponsored By: Nicole Macri (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Hospitals face a firmer inspection schedule

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington’s Department of Health must conduct or arrange unannounced hospital inspections at least every 18 months. This replaces the old requirement for inspections every 18 months on average. Separate exceptions allow longer gaps for qualifying hospitals and pauses during emergencies.

Approved surveys mean fewer hospital inspections

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington may accept qualifying surveys done for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services certification or accreditation. Surveys must come from the Department of Health or a state-approved accrediting group, with standards substantially equal to state standards. Hospitals must provide proof of survey certification, including the survey date, within 30 days of receiving results. Qualifying hospitals may move from the usual 18-month inspection schedule to inspections at least every 36 months. This reduces duplicate reviews but also means fewer state inspections.

Hospital inspections can pause during emergencies

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington’s Department of Health may pause unannounced inspections during a federal, state, or local emergency. It must find that continuing inspections is not in the best interest of public health. The pause can cover one hospital or all hospitals until the department decides inspections should resume. The department must still investigate concerns about patient well-being.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nicole Macri

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/28/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 2/12/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/11/2026House

  2. Chapter 35, 2026 Laws.

    3/11/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/5/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/4/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/4/2026legislature

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

    2/28/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/28/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading consent calendar.

    2/27/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/25/2026House

  11. HLTC - Majority; do pass.

    2/24/2026House

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

    2/16/2026House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    2/12/2026House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/12/2026House

  15. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/12/2026House

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

    2/11/2026House

  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/3/2026House

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

    1/30/2026House

  19. HCW - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/30/2026House

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

    1/19/2026House

  21. Introduced

    1/19/2026House

Bill Text

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