Substitute Senate Bill 5191 modifies the definition of "employer" within the state's paid family and medical leave law. It clarifies that representatives for employers of dockworkers are considered employers for the purpose of collecting paid family and medical leave premiums. This applies to dockworkers who typically work for several employers interchangeably under a collective bargaining agreement, ensuring premium collection for this specific group of workers.
HB 1049 creates a state-funded stipend program to help registered nurses cover costs for training as specialized sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). The program reimburses up to $2,500 per nurse for training fees, materials, travel, lodging, and meals. It applies to nurses seeking certification for adult/adolescent or pediatric care, subject to available state funding. The stipend aims to increase the number of qualified SANEs by reducing financial barriers to training.
SB 5666 creates a grant program to address Washington's shortage of school psychologists by funding full-time school psychology interns in public schools. School districts, charter schools, and tribal education schools can apply for grants covering 75% of interns' entry-level salaries, provided interns are enrolled in accredited programs and placed with qualified supervisors. The program aims to increase the pipeline of school psychologists by supporting internships, which research shows improves retention after three years of employment. It requires annual reporting on grant recipients, demographic data, and program outcomes starting in 2026.
HB 1863 requires all Washington school districts to develop cardiac emergency response plans by the 2025-26 school year, directly affecting schools, staff, students, and participants in athletic events. The plan must include designated response teams (staff, coaches, nurses), AED placement within three minutes of cardiac events, annual staff training in CPR/AED use, and coordination with local emergency services. Schools must update plans yearly and maintain AEDs per manufacturer guidelines, with clear signage. The bill also creates a grant program prioritizing schools with high student poverty rates (50%+ on free/reduced lunch) to fund AEDs and training.
Substitute House Bill 1272 extends a program designed to address complex cases involving children in crisis. It maintains a children and youth multisystem care project director who oversees a rapid care team. This team's purpose is to quickly identify appropriate services and living arrangements for children who are in hospitals without medical necessity or experiencing unstable placements, facilitating their safe discharge and stable care. The bill also requires the governor to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the program's data and recommendations.
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Children
This bill would allow parents to be paid for providing specialized care to their minor children (under 18) with developmental disabilities. It requires the state to seek federal approval to pay parents for "extraordinary care" - defined as care beyond typical parenting duties needed to prevent institutionalization. If approved, parents would qualify for payment under specific rules, including meeting training requirements like other caregivers. The bill applies only to children in certain high-need assessment categories and does not affect existing services for adults or non-disabled individuals.
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People with Disabilities
SB 5083 aims to ensure access to primary care, behavioral health, and affordable hospital services for public employees and their dependents in Washington state. It sets caps on how much health carriers can reimburse in-network hospitals for inpatient and outpatient services, generally limiting them to 200% of Medicare rates in 2027 and 190% in 2029, with higher limits for children's specialty hospitals. The bill also mandates minimum reimbursement rates for in-network primary care and non-facility-based behavioral health services (150% of Medicare) and for rural critical access hospitals. Additionally, it requires certain hospitals to contract with health carriers serving public employees and mandates data sharing with the Health Care Authority for monitoring.
House Bill 1287 expands the circumstances under which certain licensed and credentialed healthcare professionals can disclose patient health information. It specifically allows for disclosure when already permitted under Chapter 70.02 RCW, which governs health care information. For some licensed professionals, the bill also permits sharing information if they reasonably believe it will prevent an imminent danger to an individual's health or safety, though they are not obligated to do so. This aims to facilitate care coordination and address safety concerns by modifying existing confidentiality rules.
SB 5242 establishes a confidential, anonymous screening program for licensed health care providers in Washington State to address mental health and burnout. The program, funded by an annual surcharge on health professional licensing fees, provides an evidence-based screening questionnaire reviewed by counselors, with options for email consultation, referrals, or assistance with paid medical leave requests for mental health needs. It directly affects all health professionals licensed under chapter 18.130 RCW, including doctors, nurses, and therapists, by offering immediate access to behavioral health resources. The program’s costs are covered through a uniform surcharge added to licensing fees, with funds dedicated exclusively to the initiative via a new state account. The bill does not create new clinical standards but aims to improve provider access to support services through a structured, confidential pathway.
This bill, HB 1427, is titled "Concerning certified peer support specialists." The provided text details amendments to state contracting for behavioral health services, affecting Medicaid recipients and other eligible individuals. It mandates the state's health authority to adopt statewide network adequacy standards for behavioral health providers within managed care organizations, ensuring timely access to mental health and substance use disorder treatments. The bill also outlines criteria for selecting managed care organizations, emphasizing experience with low-income populations and integrated care.
