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WashingtonSB 62262025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Protecting the clinical autonomy of audiologists.

Sponsored By: Paul Harris (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Hearing and speech providers keep telehealth choice

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington's licensing board cannot block licensed providers from choosing telehealth or in-person care through clinical judgment. This protection covers audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and hearing aid specialists. The board can still set and enforce care standards, including training, supervision, records, equipment calibration, and patient disclosures. It also retains authority over prescription hearing aid safety, referrals, and follow-up care. These rules must preserve providers' clinical judgment about which care setting is appropriate for each patient.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Paul Harris

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tina Orwall

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 187 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 90 • No: 3 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 2/10/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/24/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 185, 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, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/10/2026Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    3/10/2026House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 90; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 5.

    3/3/2026Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/3/2026Senate

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.

    3/3/2026Senate

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

    3/2/2026Senate

  13. HCW - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/25/2026Senate

  14. Minority; do not pass.

    2/25/2026Senate

  15. HCW - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    2/25/2026Senate

  16. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/25/2026Senate

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

    2/12/2026Senate

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

    2/10/2026Senate

  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/10/2026Senate

  20. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/10/2026Senate

  21. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/6/2026Senate

  22. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/4/2026Senate

  23. HLTC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/3/2026Senate

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

    1/20/2026Senate

  25. Introduced

    1/20/2026Senate

Bill Text

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