Concerning the health technology assessment program.

SB 5915 amends Washington State's health technology assessment program to establish clearer processes for reviewing medical technologies. It requires the committee to prioritize technologies based on Medicare recommendations, safety concerns, high costs, or significant usage variations, and mandates systematic evidence-based assessments from designated federal centers. The bill sets timelines for reviews (180 days for initial assessments) and requires transparency through public comment periods and written explanations for denied requests. It directly affects state health programs (like Medicaid) and providers by determining which medical technologies qualify as covered benefits based on safety, effectiveness, and cost evidence.