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WashingtonSB 55792025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

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)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Health facilities face stronger enforcement

The Department of Health gains enforcement tools for violations of the contract announcement rules. Private establishments licensed under Washington's chapter 71.12 face license conditions, suspension, revocation, or denial of renewal. Civil fines can reach $10,000 per violation, capped at $1 million per licensee enforcement action. Fines require an earlier enforcement action or deficiency finding for a similar violation, or a missed correction deadline. Orders stopping admissions or specified services require a finding of immediate jeopardy. The department must give written notice and a chance to implement an approved correction plan within 24 hours. In-home services agencies also face licensing action for failing or refusing to follow the announcement rules. For mental health and substance-use providers licensed under chapter 71.24, the Insurance Commissioner must first report a suspected violation. An investigation must confirm it before the department imposes fines up to $1,000 per violation or other discipline. These penalties apply to licensed establishments, agencies, and providers—not households.

Later, clearer notices for health patients

Effective July 27, 2025, the law limits announcements about health provider contracts that expire or end without cause. Health insurers, facilities, and covered providers cannot make public statements before the final 45 days. Earlier disclosure is allowed when legally required or when the contract ending was already publicly disclosed because of a legal obligation. Private communications with the governor, lawmakers, or state agency staff are exempt. Patient notices must wait until written termination notice reaches the other contracting party, unless both parties agree otherwise. The law does not itself require patient notices unless another law or rule does. Independent providers and independent practices with five or fewer providers are exempt if unaffiliated with hospitals or hospital systems. The Insurance Commissioner must publish standard patient notice templates by December 1, 2025, after consulting insurers, providers, facilities, and consumers. Templates must name affected facilities, explain effects on hospital-based providers, address later appointments, and describe No Surprises Act continuity-of-care rights. Full-template notices need no review; notices with changed, omitted, or added text need prior approval. Carrier enforcement begins January 1, 2026, with fines up to $100 per day for each enrollee notified before the 45-day window. Provider contracts must include these rules by January 1, 2027, using contract language developed by the commissioner through rulemaking.

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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