Concerning settlement demands or offers made prior to mandatory mediation of health care claims.

HB 1527 prevents settlement offers in health care claims from expiring before mandatory mediation occurs. It requires that any settlement demand made by a patient or health care provider before mediation must remain valid until the parties attend the mediation session. This applies to cases where mediation is legally required under Washington law, affecting both patients seeking compensation and health care providers facing claims. The law aims to encourage earlier resolutions by ensuring settlement offers stay open during the mediation process, rather than lapsing before parties meet.